Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC
Date: 1997-06-18
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU law, carriage of passengers, motor vehicle, national law, safety device

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 18.06.1997 
COM(97) 276  final 

97/0176 (COD) 

Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 

relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers 
comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat 
and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC 

(presented by the Commission) 

EXPLANATORY  MEMORANDUM 

A.  Objective of the proposal 

This  proposal  for  a  directive  sets  out  in  the  context  of  the  European  system  for 
type-approval  special  provisions  for  vehicles  used  for  the  carriage  of  passengers 
comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat (buses and coaches). 

1. 

The  framework  directive regulating  the  European  type-approval  of  motor  vehicles 
in  the  European  Union 
is  laid  down  in  Council  Directive  70/156/EEC  of 
6 February  19701, as last amended by Directive 93/81/EEC2 

At the current  time, whole vehicle type-approval  is only possible for  cars,  since it is 
only  for  this  product  sector  that  all  the - 45  separate  directives  on  motor  vehicle 
components  and  systems  have  been  adopted  and  implemented.  Whole  vehicle 
type-approval  for  cars has become mandatory  for  new types of cars from  1 January 
1996 in the Union. It will be mandatory for all new vehicles from  1  January  1998. 

2. 

By contrast,  for  all other vehicle  categories,  certain  separate  directives  still  have  to 
be  adopted  before  a  whole  vehicle  type-approval  can  be  envisaged.  In  the  case  of 
buses  and  coaches  two  key  directives  are  missing;  the  directive  on  masses  and 
dimensions  (COM(91) 239  Final  of  8 July  1991),  and  a  directive  on  the  technical 
construction  characteristics  of  buses  and  coaches  and  the  fitting  out  of  those 
vehicles.  This  Directive,  which  is  based  on  Article  100a  of  the  Treaty,  draws  up 
proposals  in  this  area.  Once  these  two  directives  have  been  adopted  the  technical 
conditions  will  exist  for  whole  vehicle  type-approval  to  be  introduced  for  these 
vehicles;  in  order  to  implement  this,  however,  on  a  mandatory  basis  throughout 
Europe,  a  new  Council-Parliament  directive  will  be  required  setting 
the 
starting date. 

In  the  meantime  most  directives  for  categories  of  vehicles  other  than  cars  will 
remain optional (the exception is directives on emissions which are mandatory for all 
vehicle  classes).  This  means  that  in  cases  where  Member States  have  not  aligned 
legislation  with  European  legislation,  manufacturers  have the  option  of whether  to 
type-approve  their  vehicles  according  to  the  separate  directives  making  up  the 
EU type-approval  system  or  whether,  alternatively,  to  obtain  approvals  to  national 
legislation  (which may  be  more  or  less  severe  in  terms  of  safety  requirements). 
There  are  clear  advantages,  however,  to  choosing  the  former  approach  since  only 
this confers the benefits  of free circulation within the internal market. 

When in place, the system of whole vehicle type-approval  for buses and coaches will 
offer  immense  advantages  to  manufacturers  who  will  then  be  subject  to  one  set  of 
rules  for  the  construction  of  vehicles.  These  vehicles  will  be  accepted  throughout 
the  Union.  In  addition,  costs  will  come  down  as  the  internal  market  for  these 
vehicles is realised.  This situation  has obvious benefits  for  manufacturers,  operators 
and users. 

1 
2 

O J N o L 4 2,  23.2.1970, p. 1. 
OJNoL264.  23.10.1993, p. 49. 

B. 

Legal basis 

1. 

to 

The measures are proposed  on the basis of Article  100a of the Treaty of the Union. 
The passage of this legislation is also important because  it is the last  element  of the 
improving  bus  and  coach  safety  announced  by 
"integrated"  approach 
Commissioner Bangemann and the then Commissioners for Transport  (Matutes) and 
for  the  Internal  Market  (Vanni d'Archirafi)  in  March  1994.  In  this  document  the 
Commissioners  announced 
the 
introduction  of  safety  belts  in  minibuses  and  coaches  coupled  with  improved 
provisions  on  vehicle  stability  and  safety  enhancements  to  guard  against  injuries 
resulting  from  "rollover"  accidents  (the  subject  of  this  proposal).  Agreement  has 
been  reached  on  the  former  measure;  the  Committee  for  adapting  motor  vehicle 
directives to technical progress agreed in April  1996 to introduce 2 and  3 point belts 
in  coaches  and  minibuses  from  October  1997  thereby  clearing  the  way  for  the 
Commission  to  adopt  the  relevant  amending  directives.  The  Commission  adopted 
these measures in June  1996. 

twin-track  approach  was 

required; 

that  a 

2. 

International  legislation for  the special technical  provisions for buses and coaches is 
stipulated  in  the  regulations  of  the  United  Nations  Economic  Commission  for 
Europe (UN-ECE), to which nearly all Member  States are party3. They are annexed 
to the  1958 Agreement  concerning the adoption of  uniform  conditions of  approval 
and  reciprocal  recognition  of  approval for  motor  vehicle  equipment  and  parts, 
which is managed by WP29 of the UN-ECE in Geneva. 

Regulation  No  36  concerns  uniform  provisions  for  large  passenger  vehicles  with 
regard  to their general  construction,  Regulation No  52 concerns uniform  provisions 
for  small  capacity  public  service  vehicles  and  Regulation  No 66  concerns  the 
approval of large passenger vehicles with regard to the strength of their  structure4. 

These  regulations,  although  not  mandatory  for  the  contracting  parties,  are  used  by 
many  Member  States  in their  own  legislation  either  directly  or  as  a  basis  for  their 
own  national  law.  The  UN-ECE  regulations  are  drafted  by  experts  from  each 
European  country,  whether  or  not  they  are  members  of  the  European  Union. 
Countries  outside Europe  have an active participation  in the drafting  of regulations. 
These  regulations  are  constantly  updated  to  incorporate  revisions  in  the  light  of 
technical  progress  and  improvements  to  the  safety  prescriptions.  In  the  case  of 
is  the  Group  of  Experts  on 
regulations  covering  buses  and  coaches, 
.  General  Safety  (GRSG)  which  meets  twice  per  year  to  examine  the  proposals  to 

it 

modify  such regulations. 

Only  Ireland  is  currently  not  a  member.  Procedures  are  underway  to  enable  the  Community  to 
accede  to  the  1958  Agreement  on  the  adoption  of  uniform  conditions  of  approval  and  reciprocal 
recognition  of approval for  motor vehicle equipment and parts (COM(95) 723 final). 
Member  States applying Regulation  R36:  F, ES, UK, L, FIN. 
Member  States applying Regulation  R52:  F, ES, D. B, L, FIN. 
Member  Slates applying Regulation  R66:  F, ES, UK, D, B. L, NL,  S, FIN. 
These  Regulations  are  also  applied  "de facto"  by  some  other  Member  States  which  have  not 
signed  them. 

3 

Until  now  the  technical  provisions  for  buses  and  coaches  have  been stipulated- in 
national laws.  Although  a significant  number  of Member  States  apply the  UN-ECE 
regulations directly, or use them as a basis of their own national law, actual  national 
laws  differ  from  one  Member  State  to  another  and  constitute  a  barrier  to  free 
circulation of these vehicles within the European Union. 

The text is relevant for the EEA Treaty. 

C.  Background 

In  1993, the  Commission  requested  the Motor  Vehicle  Working  Group  (MVWG)5 
to help it draft  a proposal for  a directive relating to  buses and coaches which would 
improve road and passenger  safety  and remove existing technical barriers to the free 
movement  of these vehicles. This Working Group has assisted the Commission  with 
the  preparation  of  the  Annexes  used  for  the  drafting  of  the  present  proposal  for 
a directive. 

In  order  to  establish  the  draft  directive,  the  Motor  Vehicle  Working  Group 
examined a number of possible approaches. One approach it considered  was to  draft 
the technical prescriptions without reference  to any existing national or  international 
regulation.  This was  regarded  as inappropriate  by the  experts.  Another  alternative, 
consisting of a modular  selection of the prescriptions for different  types of buses and 
coaches,  was  rejected  by  a  large  majority  of the  Group.  Another  approach  was  to 
take as a basis for  the draft  directive the prescriptions  given in UN-ECE  regulations 
R36, R52, R66 and an additional draft  Regulation on large double-decker  passenger 
vehicles.  By  an  overwhelming  majority,  the  advice  of  the  MVWG  Experts  was  to 
use  UN-ECE  regulations  as  a  basis  for  the  discussions  by  the  Group.  In  the 
discussions,  the  Commission  services  made  it  clear,  however,  that  it  did  not  feel 
totally  bound  by  these  technical  regulations  and  that  it  would  propose  different 
prescriptions  whenever  necessary  in order  to  ensure  higher  and  achievable  levels of 
safety. 

I. 

K EY  ISSUES IN THE PROPOSAL 

1. 

The  prescriptions  of  the  draft  directive  have  been  thoroughly  discussed  in  the 
Motor Vehicle Working  Group,  where  the  approach  was  to  reach  the  highest 
possible degree of harmonization. 

Owing to the specific  nature of buses and coaches, a range of specific  characteristics 
must be taken  into account  when  establishing the technical  criteria to be included  in 
a directive on the special prescriptions for these vehicles. 

These prescriptions cover the following: 

the  distribution  of  the  combined  weight  of  the  passengers,  so  as  to  avoid 
overloading individual axles; 

the number, type and location of the service and emergency exits; 

5 

An  advisory  Group  of  Member  States  and  interested  Industry  Groups,  as  well  as  consumers 
and  operators. 

the 
technical 
power-operated  doors; 

specifications 

governing 

service 

doors,- 

including 

the approved  access steps incorporated  in the vehicles; 

the access to service doors, emergency exits, gangways and seats; 

the provision of handrails and handholds for  standing passengers; 

the minimum seat size and spacing between seats; 

the stability of the vehicle; and 

the strength of the superstructure. 

These elements relate  specifically  to buses and  coaches  and therefore  must  be dealt, 
with in the directive to improve the road and passenger safety of such vehicles. 

The  draft  directive  includes  provisions  permitting  the  approval  of  bus  and 
coach bodies  as  separate  technical  units,  as  distinct  from  the  integrated  vehicle 
(body  +  chassis)  itself.  This  extension  of  the  proposal  was  added  following  a 
specially  convened  meeting  of  the MVWG  in  February  1996  to  discuss  this issue. 
The Member  States and Industry were strongly in favour  of the additional technical 
prescriptions  which  would  reduce  administrative  type-approval  costs  for  bespoke 
body builders (of whom there are about  75 in Europe)  significantly  below what they 
would  have  been  if  full  type-approval  had  been  required  for  each  body-chassis 
combination.  Such a system would  have been  unfavourable  to  body builders  - most 
of whom are SMEs and whose business is geared to producing  customised  products 
to  suit  operators'  needs.  By  allowing  bus  and  coach  bodies  to  be  approved  as 
separate  technical  units  and  laying  down  appropriate  installation  provisions,  the 
directive  contains  the  flexibility  necessary  to  respond  to  the  different  economic 
needs  of  the  various  companies  (i.e.  the  integrated  manufacturers  as  well  as  the 
body builders) in this sector. 

In  spite of  considerable  effort,  agreement  could  not  be  reached  on three  significant 
technical  points.  In particular  the United  Kingdom,  which  operates  deregulated  bus 
services, has insisted  on  certain technical provisions which  are not  desired  by  other 
countries. In addition,  allegations have also been made in the public domain that the 
draft  directive,  if  applied  as  desired  by  a  number  of  experts,  would  result  in  the 
removal  of  the  double-decker  bus  from  the  roads,  because  the  increased  costs  of 
complying with the directive would render these vehicles uneconomic to operate. 

Similar  arguments  were  made  regarding  the  effects  of  the  draft  directive  on 
"minibuses"  and "midibuses",  two  types  of vehicle  which  have  also  found  a market 
niche in the UK and Ireland. 

The three key controversial technical issues are the  following: 

(a)  Minimum  number of sendee doors for  vehicles designed for  buses 

The majority  of national  experts  considered  that  the  number  of  service  doors 
on  buses  should  increase  with  the  passenger  capacity  of  the  vehicle.  In 
addition  to  facilitating  movement  into  and  out  of the vehicle,  the main  reason 

for  more  service  doors  is that  in  case  of  an  accident  it  would-be  easier to 
evacuate the vehicle quickly through large service doors rather than through 
narrow emergency exits. 

The minority view expressed was that evacuation  could be operated through 
the emergency exits and that the number of service doors  should be left  for 
operators  to  decide  upon,  according  to  their  methods  of  controlling  the 
payment of the fare by the passengers. 

(b)  Spacing between seats in different buses and coaches (seat pitch) 

It  should  be  recalled  that  nearly  all  Member  States,  including  the 
United Kingdom  and  Ireland,  have established  in their  national  legislation  a 
minimum  seat  pitch  for  these  vehicles  .  Furthermore,  all  national  experts 
considered that the minimum distance between seats should be different  in the 
case of vehicles which include spaces for standing passengers (urban use) than 
in case of vehicles with no provision for standing passengers (interurban use). 

The  majority  considered  that  for  long  distance  travel  (coaches)  the  space 
should  be  at  least  75  cm.  This minimum  distance  encourages  long  distance 
passengers to  remain  seated  and  belted  -  and  therefore  safe  -  avoiding  the 
situation  where those  passengers who may be uncomfortably  seated  choose 
to stand  in  the  aisle.  For  urban  buses  it  was  argued  that  the  distance 
between seats  should  be  at  least  65  cm  -  the  minimum  distance  to  allow 
passengers reasonable  space  and  to  permit  access  to  seats  adjacent  to  the 
window.  In addition,  it  was  argued,  safety  would  be  enhanced  by  these 
minimum provisions. 

By  contrast,  a  minority  considered  it  is  more  important  to  have  more 
passengers  seated  than  to  have  fewer  passengers  comfortably  seated.  To 
achieve this, the experts proposed  therefore  a minimum  seat  pitch  of 60 cm 
for smaller vehicles (i.e. minibuses with up to 16 passengers) and 65 cm for all 
other vehicles. 

(c)  Minimum seat width for  vehicles  not exceeding  an  overall width of  2.3 m 

(mini/midibuses) 

It  should  be  recalled  that  nearly  all  Member  States,  including  the 
United Kingdom  and  Ireland,  have  established  in their  national  legislation  a 
minimum seat width for these vehicles. 

The United  Kingdom  and Ireland  have a large quantity  of different  types of 
buses. Reflecting this diversity, these countries have seen the development of 
a  market  for  minibuses  and  midibuses which  are  often  built  on  commercial 
truck  chassis. Those vehicles, which are narrower than traditional  buses, are 
nonetheless frequently preferred by operators, not least because of the narrow 
road width in certain regions. 

Only Austria does not have such legislation. 

6 

The majority of national  experts considered that the minimum seat width should" be 
45 cm for all kinds of buses and coaches,  in order to have enough space to  ensure 
passenger safety, to make the seat accessible and to ensure passenger comfort. 

The view of the United Kingdom and Ireland is that a minimum seat width of 45 cm 
is  acceptable  only  for  vehicles  with  an  overall  width  of  more  than  2.3  m.  For 
vehicles not exceeding an overall width of 2.3 m, they consider that a seat width of 
40 cm would be sufficient.  For these narrower vehicles, a seat width of 40 cm would 
permit  the  installation  of  four  seats  in  each  row,  instead  of  three  seats  if  the 
minimum  required  dimension  were  45 cm.  These  experts  argued  in  addition  that 
eliminating  a  longitudinal  row  of  seats  would  have  a  major  impact  on  vehicle 
operation, economy and safety,  since more passengers would be required to stand. 

The Commission will come forward with a report that investigates the safety aspects 
related to  the  differences  in  seat  width  and  make  any  proposals  to  amend  the 
existing provisions as appropriate. 

In the light of this situation, the Commission has analysed four possible approaches 
with a view to finding an acceptable ^compromise: 

Choose  the  text  supported  by  the  majority  of  the  Member  States.  This 
solution has the obvious advantage in that it could probably obtain a qualified 
majority in the Council.  On the other hand, it fails to take account  of market 
requirements  of two  Member  States,  arising from a continuation  of tradition 
and the  development  of new  services  in these  countries  due to  deregulation, 
and  because  of  this,  it  could  be  expected  to  be  very  controversial.  Such  a 
decision  would  also  have  a  negative  impact  on  the  manufacturers  of  these 
vehicles. Furthermore,  considering that this Directive will initially be optional, 
Member States will have the choice to apply this Directive or to maintain their 
national  legislation.  However,  as  soon  as whole  EC type-approval  for  buses 
and coaches becomes mandatory, this particular Directive will replace national 
legislation. At the point when it becomes mandatory those two Member States 
would face the prospect of not being able to type-approve vehicles previously 
in conformity with their national legislation. 

Exclude from the scope of the draft directive certain specific vehicles. In such 
a  case,  the  disadvantages  mentioned  above  are  avoided.  National  measures 
would  prevail  for  the  excluded  vehicles.  On  the  other  hand,  those 
Member States  wanting  harmonization 
these  vehicles  would  be 
disadvantaged since no European type-approval would exist for them. 

for 

Exclude from the  scope  of the draft  directive the two  controversial  issues  of 
seat  pitch and seat  width,  which in the opinion  of these  two  Member  States 
are not  related to  safety.  The majority  of Member  States,  however,  consider 
these two  issues are related to  safety,  and all but one  have  legislation  in this 
area;  consequently  if  this  Directive  does  not  include  prescriptions  on  these 
two  elements,  then Member  states will  certainly  maintain their national  rules 
and  the  Internal  Market  for  buses  and  coaches  will  not  be  achieved. 
Furthermore, there would be a risk of Member  States  insisting that technical 
prescriptions  additional  to  those  in  the  directive  be  met  as  a  condition  for 
European type-approval. 

Choose  the  text  supported  by  the  majority  of  the  Member  States  with  a 
derogation permitting vehicles with certain specific  national  characteristics to 
obtain  type-approval,  but  permitting  also  any  other  Member  State,  at  their 
own  discretion,  to  refuse  the  registration  of  such vehicles  on  their territory. 
This derogation would apply only to vehicles which do not affect  competition 
between Member States. 

In  weighing  these  options,  the  Commission  has  been  motivated  above  all  by  the 
desire  to  achieve  the  maximum  degree  of  harmonization  consistent  with  the 
establishment  of  the  single  market,  while  at the  same  time  acknowledging  that  in 
specific  circumstances  it  may  not  be  possible  to  achieve  total  harmonization  in a 
single step. 

In this context,  the Commission also took note of the situation that was reached in 
the  Directive  on  motorcycle  power  output  Directive  95/1/EC.  During  the 
conciliation phase under Article  189(b), the Institutions agreed that there would be 
no  limit  in  the  power  output  of  motorcycles  (the  Commission  had  originally 
proposed a limit of 74 kW), but that Member States would be free to impose a limit 
of 74 kW and to refuse the sale, registration and entry into service on their territory 
of such motorcycles. The Commission services will undertake further studies on the 
issue  of the link between  power output  and accidents  and,  if necessary,  will  make 
further proposals on the matter. 

In the  light  of  this,  the  question  arises  whether  a  step-by-step  approach  could  be 
justified  in the case of buses and coaches. In this particular case, given the diversity 
of national regulations and traditions, the Commission believes it would be justified 
to envisage a derogation from the harmonized rules for certain vehicle types (fourth 
approach).  This  derogation  should  be  strictly  limited  however  -  to  double-deck 
buses and to  buses not  exceeding  an overall  width  of 2.3  m (midi  and minibuses). 
The Commission considers that such a derogation should not cover vehicles used in 
interurban transport, in order to avoid distorsions of competition where international 
transport  is  concerned.  For  urban vehicles  this  potential  distortion  in  competition 
does not exist. 

As regards the scope of the derogation, the Commission considers it should include 
a  provision  for  Member  States  to  prohibit  the  sale,  the first registration  and  all 
successive registrations and also the entry into service of vehicles that are subject to 
the  prescriptions  of  the  derogation.  This  approach  has an additional  advantage  in 
that  its  flexibility  in  application  does  not  prejudge  how  the  European  market  for 
these  vehicles  might  evolve  in  the  future.  If,  as  the  UK  argues,  there  will  be  an 
increasing  market  in  the  EU  for  midi  and  minibuses  with  technical  prescriptions 
analogous  to  those  applied  in  the  UK,  as  Member States  deregulate  their  bus 
services,  then,  logically,  there  will  be  a lesser risk that  Member  States  will  avail 
themselves of the option to prohibit the registration of such vehicles. 

The derogation  should be reviewed  no later than  1 January 2005  on the basis of a 
report to be drawn up by the Commission services. 

The above solution will ensure that the degree of harmonization will be as large-as 
possible - in the case of the Member  States which will not  accept  the derogation, 
harmonization  will be total  - and it will permit  other Member  States, at  their own 
discretion, and within clearly defined and circumscribed limits, to maintain their own 
system  of  transport  and  their  own  specifications  for  the  construction  of 
certain vehicles. 

n. 

ACCESSIBILITY 

Another key element of the Directive concerns the provisions regarding accessibility 
for people with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users, to buses and coaches. 
The  Commission  considers  that,  in  accordance  with  its  Transport  and  Social 
Policies, every effort must be made to provide for such accessibility. 

Two approaches to this question are possible. One approach would be to establish 
general provisions applying to  all vehicles including the technical requirements  for 
systems to assist the boarding and alighting of wheelchair users, where the vehicle is 
equipped  with  these  boarding  aids.  It  would  then  be  up  to  National  and 
Local Authorities  to  decide,  in  accordance  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity,  to 
choose  the  kind  of  solution  to  the  accessibility  problem  in  their  own  way,  by 
selecting the types of vehicles they want in order to improve accessibility of public 
transport in each region. 

A second approach would be for the Commission to give a clear policy orientation 
towards  the  provision  of  accessible  public  urban  and  interurban  bus  services  on 
grounds  both  of  social  policy6  and  on  grounds  of  safety  since  more  accessible 
transport  means also  safer  transport.  In this  context  it  should  be noted  that  most 
accidents occur when passengers board or alight from a bus. 

Both these  approaches  would  require the full  technical  specifications  for  different 
buses and coaches to be established in the Directive. 

After  reflecting carefully  on this matter, the Commission has come to the view that 
it  is essential  that  the Directive  be forward-looking  and  progressive,  the  more  so 
because it will not come into force, on an optional basis, before 2000 at the earliest 
and, in all likelihood, will not become mandatory before 2005. In addition, it seems 
certain that  Member  States will progressively  establish  more technical  regulations 
governing  the  accessibility  of  buses  and  coaches,  as  the  demand  for  safe  and 
accessible transport develops. 

It  is  important  to  recall  also that  the  Commission has  submitted  to  the  Council  a  proposal  for  a 
Council  directive  on  minimum  requirements  to  improve  the  mobility  and  the  safe  transport  of 
workers  with  reduced  mobility  (COM(91)  539 final - SYN  327,  OJ  No  C  15,  21.1.1992, p.  18). 
This proposes one of the three possible measures: 
-  either by built-in technical aids such as lowered floors. lifting  platforms, etc., 
-  or by technical aids external to the transport vehicle, for  example at the stop or platform,  such 

as mobile ramps, low-lift  elevating platform trucks, folding platforms, etc., 

-  or bv personal assistance from  specially trained transport company staff. 

9 

The Commission does not consider at an initial stage that it would be either feasible 
or opportune to require that ajl new types of vehicle complying with the provisions 
of  the  Directive  should  be  accessible  to  persons  of  reduced  mobility  from  the 
year 2000.  The Commission  does consider,  however,  that  it  is realistic to  require 
that passenger carrying vehicles designed to provide scheduled urban and interurban 
services should  be accessible.  This can be justified  on grounds  of  safety  and  also 
because a number of Member States7 have legislated in this area. In the absence of 
harmonized rules, therefore,  there is a risk of impediments to the furthering  of the 
internal market. 

With regard to the definition of accessibility, account has to be taken of the  different 
geographical terrain in different European cities, which would make it impossible for 
a general requirement  for  low-floor  buses to  be used  in urban  environments.  The 
Commission  does  consider,  however,  that  where  a  low-floor  bus  cannot  be 
employed,  a conventional  bus with  an accessibility  aid  listed  in Annex  VII  of the 
Directive should be required. 

The Directive establishes, therefore, that the technical prescriptions of new vehicles 
designed  to  provide  scheduled  urban  and  interurban  services  approved  in 
accordance  with  the  Directive  shall  be  either  low-floor  buses  (for  urban 
environments) or other accessible vehicles. Reflecting this choice, the Directive has 
been drafted to require Member States to choose between these options. 

Low-floor  buses are clearly the most  efficient  way for  Member  States to  improve 
accessibility  and  operational  efficiency Yor faster  boarding  and  alighting  for  urban 
environments.  The  Commission,  conscious  of  the  future  of  low-floor  buses  to 
improve public transport, has been working on a program of European Cooperation 
on  Science  and  Technology  (COST).  One  of  these  actions  is  COST  322,  the 
objective  of  which  is  to  gather  information  on  current  European  operating 
experience on low-floor buses, including carefully monitored trials, in order to draw 
up guidance for best practice. 

COST  322  has  elaborated  a  report  with  a  list  of  main  recommendations  for 
low-floor buses. Most of these are contained in thé draft Directive and relate to all -
not just  low-floor  -  buses.  In  particular  the  recommendations  of  the  COST  322 
project  concerning  the  height  of  the  initial  step  and  the  maximum  slope  of  the 
gangway forward of the rear axle(s) are contained in the draft. 

In the event that low-floor buses cannot be used, the Commission considers that the 
prescriptions  for  vehicles  other  than  lower-floor  buses  (Annex  I  part  C)  coupled 
with  a  ramp  or  a  lift,  should  be required  so  as  to  ensure  access  for  persons  of 
reduced mobility including wheelchair users. 

7 

For  example,  in  the  UK,  the  Disability  Discrimination  Act  of  1995,  gives  powers  to  the 
government  to  make  regulations  for  different  transport  modes,  including  access  for  wheelchair 
users.  In Sweden, the Act on Facilities for  the Disabled, of  1975, vehicles used for  public  transport 
shall  be adapted  for  use by disabled  passengers.  Ordinances  implementing  the  Act  were  issued  in 
1982  and  most  are  compulsory  for  operators.  With  respect  to  public  bus  services,  new  vehicles 
earning  more than  19 passengers with a Gross Vehicle Weight  of 800 kg are covered. 

10 

The  Commission  considers  that  there  are  strong  arguments  for  extending  the 
requirement  to  ensure  accessibility  to  vehicles  designed  to  be  used  to  provide 
scheduled  interurban  passenger  transport  services,  and  in  particular  Class  II 
vehicles.  This  will  ensure  that  new  vehicles  meeting  the  technical  requirements  of 
the  proposed  optional  type-approval  directive  will  progressively  be  introduced 
into the  bus  and  coach  fleet,  thereby  ensuring  that  over  time  the  fleet  of  vehicles 
used  for  scheduled  interurban  services  will  become  fully  accessible.  However,  the 
Commission  does  not  at  present  have the  requisite  expertise  to  determine  the  best 
technical  solution  for  such  vehicles.  In  this  connection,  it  will  shortly  submit  a 
proposal  laying down the technical  requirements  for  such vehicles on the basis of a 
full  study. 

Accordingly,  Article 4(1)  of the Directive  stipulates that  such vehicles, if belonging 
to  Class  I,  shall  contain  one  of  the  boarding  aids  laid  down  in  Annex  VII  of  the 
Directive  in  order  to  benefit  from  free  circulation  in the  Community.  However,  as. 
regards  vehicles  of  other  classes  the  Commission  does  currently  not  have  the 
necessary  expertise  to  determine  the most  appropriate  solutions  for  ensuring 
accessibility in relation to scheduled interurban services. 

HI. 

LONGITUDINAL  SEATS 

The  Commission  is  aware  of  concerns  about  longitudinal  (side-facing)  seating, 
which many observers consider unsafe,  and will undertake research to  analyse what 
specific  provisions should apply, including the possibility of eliminating  such  seating 
in vehicles not  accepting  standees. The Commission  will also examine in this review 
the  question  of  whether  restraint  devices,  i.e.  seat  belts,  could  make  this 
seating  safer. 

D.  Consultation of interested  parties 

1. 

Industry position 

Industry  has  been  consulted  and  represented  at  each  meeting  of  the  advisory 
Motor Vehicle  Working  Group,  which  has  been  consulted  by  the  Commission  to 
assist  in drafting  this Directive.  Chassis and  complete  vehicle  manufacturers,  which 
are exclusively large firms, are in agreement  with the proposal.  Bus and coach body 
manufacturers  are  mostly  medium-sized  businesses;  the  possibility  of  permitting 
type-approval  of  separate  technical  units  ensures  that  their  needs  have  been  fully 
taken into  consideration. 

In  general,  therefore,  industry  is in  agreement  with  the  proposal.  In  the  particular 
case of the British manufacturers  and operators,  however, there are different  views. 
With the  derogation  included  in the  proposal,  however,  UK  manufacturers  will  be 
able to continue to build according to actual vehicle  configuration. 

2.  Member  States positions 

Experts  of  Member  States  were  represented  during  the  discussions  of  the 
Motor Vehicle  Working  Group.  The  majority  of  Member  States'  experts  are  in 
agreement with the technical prescriptions of the proposal. The UK and Ireland have 
expressed  reserves,  despite  the  derogation  included  in  the  proposal  which  will 
benefit those two countries. 

11 

The  provisions  on  accessibility  are  likely  to  be  controversial  in  the  Council,  a 
number of Member  States believing that  such matters  should,  under the principle of 
subsidiarity, be left to Member States. 

3. 

Parliament  position 

The  European  Parliament  has  shown  a  keen  interest  in  the  proposal.  Different 
services of the Commission have been invited to participate  at  meetings with  MEPs 
in order to  explain the background to the draft.  The issue that has been of particular 
interest to the Parliament has been the accessibility for persons of reduced mobility. 

E.  Content  of the proposal 

the  framework 
This  Directive  shall  remain  optional  until  such 
Directive  92/53/EEC  becomes  mandatory 
in  all 
Member  States. Whenever a manufacturer  chooses to avail himself of the provisions 
of  this  Directive,  he  shall  be  permitted  to  do  so,  and  other  Member  States  shall 
give free circulation to vehicles whose technical requirements meet the conditions of 
this Directive. 

time  as 
for  buses  and  coaches 

As  soon  as  framework  Directive  92/53/EEC  becomes  mandatory  for  M2  &  M3 
vehicles8, separate directives, including this one, will become mandatory as well. 

1-  Articles 

Generally  speaking, the Articles are similar to  those  of the other  separate  directives 
adopted  under  framework  Directive  70/156/EEC,  and  apply  the  provisions  of  the 
latter.  The  only  exceptions  are  Articles  3,  which  establish  the  derogation,  and 
Article  4,  which  establishes  the  provisions  on  accessibility  and  Articles  6  and  7 
concerning the Committee for  Adaptation to  Technical Progress the Annexes of the 
Directive.  Considering  that  adjustments  of  the  directives  to  technical  progress 
should  be  implemented  swiftly,  these  Articles  allow  the  Commission  to  carry  out 
adjustments  subject  to  prior  consultation  of the Member  States through  an advisory 
committee rather than a regulatory committee. 

2. 

Technical Annexes 

The  technical  annexes  to  the  draft  Directive  cover  all  the  specific  aspects  of  the 
•  construction  of these vehicles that must be taken into account to improve safety  that 
are not  dealt  with  in the  other  separate  directives.  The  draft  is largely based  on  the 
requirements  and  standards  set  out  in  the  regulations  of  the  UN  Economic 
Commission  for  Europe,  which  are  used  by  most  of  the  Member  States  either 
directly or as a basis for  national legislation. Although these regulations  are updated 
on  a regular  basis, the  experts  meeting  within  the  Working Group  have  introduced 
the changes needed to achieve better safety requirements. 

M2:  Vehicles  used  for  the  carriage  of passengers,  comprising  more  than  eight  seats  in  addition  to 
the driver's  seat, and having a maximum mass not exceeding five tonnes. 
M3:  Vehicles  used  for  the carriage  of  passengers,  comprising  more  than  eight  seats  in  addition  to 
the driver's  seat, and having a maximum  mass exceeding five tonnes. 

12 

Although  Article  1  of  the  draft  refers  to  vehicles  of  categories  M2  and  -M3 
(see footnote  7), the scope of Annex I does not include prison vehicles, ambulances 
and off-road  vehicles. The requirements apply to vehicles designed for use by police, 
security and armed forces  only to the extent that the provisions are compatible with 
the  intended  use  and  function  of  these  vehicles.  The  same  criterion  shall  apply  to 
specific  vehicles 
libraries,  mobile  chapels  and  mobile 
hospitality units. 

such  as  mobile 

This Annex is in three parts. 

Part A contains the requirements common to all buses and coaches. 

Part B contains the requirements for  "low-floor"  buses. 

Part C contains the requirements for vehicles other than  "low-floor"  buses. 

The draft  provides for five classes of vehicle, defined  as follows: 

(i) 

For vehicles having a capacity exceeding 22 passengers: 

Class I: 

Vehicles  constructed  with  areas for  standing  passengers,  to  allow 
frequent  passenger  movement. 

Class II:  Vehicles  constructed  principally  for 

the  carriage  of  seated 
passengers,  and  designed  to  allow  the  carriage  of  standing 
passengers in the gangway and in a limited area. 

Class III:  Vehicles 

constructed 

exclusively 

for 

the 

carriage 

of 

seated passengers. 

(ii)  For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers: 

Class A:  Vehicles designed to carry seated and standing passengers. 

Class B:  Vehicles without provision for  standing passengers. 

The  rest  of  Annex  I  sets  out  the  definitions  and  the  procedures  governing 
applications  for  type-approval,  the  granting  of  approvals,  modification  of  the 
types and  amendments  to  approvals,  and  conformity  of  production,  with  reference 
to the procedures established  by framework  Directive  70/156/EEC.  The Annex  also 
contains  specific-  requirements  for  buses  and  coaches  as  a  whole.  These 
requirements  concern  the  following,  load  distribution  between  axles  and  loading 
conditions,  area  available  for  passengers,  number  of  passengers  accommodated, 
communication  with  the  driver,  interior  lighting,  and  provisions  relating  to 
handholds and handrails for  standing passengers. 

The  requirements  relating  to  vehicle  stability  warrant  specific  mention.  Vehicles 
must  remain  fully  stable  on  their  wheels  on  a  platform  at  an  angle  of  3 5  degrees 
the  horizontal.  An  alternative 
(28 degrees  for  double-decker  vehicles)  from 
calculation  method  shall be  permissible,  provided  that  the validity  of the  method  is 
established  on the basis of a comparative test with a similar vehicle. 

13 

Concerning  exits,  the  draft  Directive  establishes  provisions  governing their  number 
(which  increases with  the  number  of passengers  the  vehicle  can  carry),  dimensions 
and  accessibility  to  those  exits.  These  provisions  cover  service  doors,  emergency 
doors,  emergency  windows  and  escape  hatches.  The  criterion  which  the  draft  has 
in  all  circumstances 
followed  with  respect 
(including overturning of the vehicle or blocking of the service doors in the event  of 
an accident)  exits are available in the three  directional  axes of the  space.  Technical 
requirements  are  set  out  in  the  draft  for  both  manually  operated  and  power-
operated exits. 

to  siting  is  to  guarantee 

that 

With  respect  to  the  space  for  seated  passengers,  the  draft  sets  the  minimum  seat 
width  and minimum  spacing  of seats facing  in the  same direction  or  in the  opposite 
direction,  and gives the procedure to verify  the access to every seat. 

Finally,  Annex  I  stipulates  requirements  for  ensuring  accessibility  for  all  persons, 
including  those  with  reduced  mobility.  The  draft  Directive  establishes  that  Class  I 
vehicles  must  have  priority  seats  reserved  near  the  driver  for  people  with  reduced 
mobility,  special means of communication with the driver  and  special handholds and 
handrails  adapted  for  such  people.  In  the  case  of  Class  I  vehicles  designed  to 
transport  one  or  more  passengers  in  wheelchairs,  the  draft  Directive  defines  the 
space  provided  for  the  wheelchair,  its anchorage,  its  access to  the  special  platform 
and where it  should be placed. Low-floor  buses are considered  accessible vehicles if 
one service door and the platform  are large enough to  allow the entry and  stationing 
of a wheelchair. 

The  administrative  provisions,  including  the  . information  document  and  EEC 
type-approval  certificate,  are  defined  in  Annex  II.  in  accordance  with  framework 
Directive 70/156/EEC. 

Annex III contains all the explanatory  diagrams relating  to the requirements  set  out 
in the other Annexes. 

Annex IV defines  superstructure  requirements in terms of strength.  In the event of a 
roll-over  accident,  the  strength  must  be  sufficient  to  preserve  a  survival  area  and 
avoid  the  crushing  of  the  passengers  by  the  superstructure.  This  Annex  applies  to 
single-deck  vehicles  of  Classes  II  and  III,  except  vehicles  used  for  urban  transport 
where the likelihood of overturning, whilst  still possible, is considerably reduced. 

Annex  V  provides  guidelines  for  measuring  the  closing  forces  of  power-operated 
doors, to reduce the possibility of injury. 

Annex VI sets out  special requirements for  buses and  coaches having a capacity  not 
exceeding 22 passengers. The special requirements are justified  in that these vehicles 
carry  fewer  passengers  than  their  larger  counterparts,  and  certain  provisions  can 
therefore  be defined  differently. 

Annex  VII  defines  technical  requirements  for  vehicles  equipped  with  boarding  and 
alighting  aids  for  wheelchair  users.  The  proposal  covers  ramps,  kneeling  systems 
and  lifts,  but  specifies  that  other  aids  may  be  accepted  provided  they  are  safe 
and  effective. 

Annex  VIII  lays  down  specific  requirements  for  double-deck  buses  and  coaches 
where  the  general  prescriptions  of Annex  I  cannot  apply. 

14 

Annex IX sets out requirements relating to wiring used in the construction  of these 
vehicles, which must be of a quality such that it cannot cause  fire. 

Annex'X  defines  the  requirements  for  the  type-approval  of  the  body  work  as  a 
separate technical  unit  and the type-approval  of a vehicle fitted with  a body work 
already approved as a separate technical unit. 

15 

Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL  DIRECTIVE 

relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers 
comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat 
and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC 

THE  EUROPEAN  PARLIAMENT  AND  THE  COUNCIL  OF  THE 
EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular 
Article  100a thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission9, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee10, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article  189b of the Treaty11, 

Whereas the internal market comprises an area without  internal frontiers,  in which the free 
movement  of  goods,  persons,  services  and  capital  is  ensured;  whereas  it  is  important  to 
adopt measures to that end; 

Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy  pursuant  to  national 
laws relate, inter alia, to  special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers 
comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat; 

Whereas those requirements differ from one Member  State to another; 

Whereas  owing  to  differences 
in  technical  prescriptions,  these  vehicles  have  been 
prevented  from  circulating freely in the  Community;  whereas  the  adoption  of  harmonized 
requirements by all of the Member States in place of their national regulations will  facilitate 
the proper functioning  of the internal market for these vehicles; 

Whereas  it  is  therefore  necessary  that  all  Member  States  adopt  the  same  requirements 
either  in addition  to  or  in place  of their  existing  rules  in order,  in  particular,  to  allow  the 
EC  type-approval  procedure  which  is  the  subject  of  Council  Directive  70/156/EEC 
of 6 February  1970 on the approximation  of the laws of the Member  States relating to the 
type-approval  of  motor  vehicles  and 
amended  by 
European Parliament  and  Council  Directive  97/27/EC13,  to  be  applied  in  respect  of  each 
type of vehicle; 

trailers12,  as 

their 

last 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 

OJNo 
OJ No 
OJ No 
O J N o L 4 2.  23.2.1970, p. 1. 
OJ No L 233. 25.8.1997. p. 1. 

Whereas  this  Directive  is  one  of  the  separate  Directives  of  the  EC  type-approval 
procedure, which has been established by Directive 70/156/EEC; 

Whereas,  in accordance  with  the  principles  of  subsidiarity  and  proportionality  established 
by Article 3b of the Treaty, the objective of this Directive, namely the avoidance of barriers 
to  trade  within  the  Community  through  the  application  of  EC  vehicle  type-approval  for 
such vehicles, cannot be adequately attained by the Member  States on account  of the scale 
and  impact  of the  action  proposed  in the  sector  in  question,  and  may  therefore  be  better 
attained at Community level; whereas this Directive lays down  only minimum rules for  the 
attainment of those objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary to that end; 

Whereas it is desirable to  take  account  of the  existing  technical  requirements  adopted  by 
the  UN  Economic  Commission  for  Europe  (UN-ECE) 
in  its  Regulation  No 36 
("Uniform  Provisions concerning the Approval of Large Passenger Vehicles with regard  to 
their  General  Construction"),  its  Regulation  No 52  ("Uniform  Provisions  concerning  the 
Construction  of  small-capacity  Public  Service  Vehicles")  and  its  Regulation  No 66 
("Uniform  Provisions  Concerning  the  Approval  of Large Passenger  Vehicles  with  regard 
to  the  Strength  of  their  Superstructure"),  which  are  annexed  to  the  Agreement  of 
20 March  1958 concerning the adoption  of uniform  conditions for  approval  and  reciprocal 
recognition of approval for motor vehicle equipment and parts; 

Whereas, while the principal  aim of this Directive is to guarantee the  safety  of passengers, 
it  is also necessary  to  provide  technical  prescriptions  to  allow  accessibility  for  persons  of 
reduced  mobility  to  the  vehicles  covered  by  the  Directive,  in  accordance  with  the 
Commission's  Transport  and  Social  Policies;  whereas  every  effort  must  be  made  to 
improve  access  to  these  vehicles;  whereas,  therefore,  new  vehicles,  type-approved  in 
accordance  with  this  Directive  and  designed  for  the  operation  of  scheduled  urban  and 
interurban  services, should be accessible to people of reduced  mobility in order to  facilitate 
their free movement; whereas it is possible even at this stage to translate this principle into 
concrete requirements for vehicles of Class I, whilst  appropriate technical  solutions for  the 
other  classes  designed  to  provide  for  scheduled  urban  and  interurban  services  have  to  be 
evaluated  and  the  relevant  provisions  of the Directive  confirmed  or  adapted,  if necessary, 
on  the  basis  of  a  report  by  the  Commission;  whereas,  pursuant  to  the  principle  of 
subsidiarity,  Member  States  should  be  encouraged  to  make  vehicles  other  than  such 
vehicles more accessible to passengers with reduced  mobility; 

Whereas,  to  take  account  of certain  specific  regulations  existing  in  some  Member  States, 
provision  should  be  made  for  certain  limited  derogations  from  the  general  standards; 
whereas  these  derogations  concern  the  number  of  service  doors,  the  seat  width  and  the 
spacing between  seats for  certain vehicles; whereas  other  Member  States  should  have  the 
right  to  refuse  the  registration,  sale  and  entry  into  service  of  vehicles  whose  technical 
prescriptions derogate in this way from the main provisions of the Directive; 

Whereas technical progress requires rapid  adaptation  of the technical  requirements  set  out 
in the Annexes to this separate Directive; whereas it is appropriate to assign this task to the 
Commission  in  order  to  simplify  and  speed  up  the  procedure;  whereas  in  all  instances 
where  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  confer  upon  the  Commission  the  power 
to implement  rules  drawn  up  in  respect  of  those  vehicles,  provision  should  be  made 
for  prior  consultation  between  the  Commission  and  the  Member  States  within  an 
Advisory Committee; 

17 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

Article 1 

For the purposes of this Directive: 

"Vehicle"  means  any  motor  vehicle  of  category M2  and  M3,  as  defined  in 
Annex IIA  of Directive 70/156/EEC. 

"Separate 
Directive 70/156/EEC. 

technical  unit"  means  a  device  as  defined 

in  Article  2  of 

Article 2 

Member  States  may not  refuse  EC  type-approval  or  national  type-approval  for  a vehicle, 
or refuse  or prohibit the sale, registration,  entry into service or use of a vehicle, on grounds 
relating  to  provisions  for  vehicles  used  for  the  carriage  of  passengers  and  comprising 
more than  eight  seats  in  addition  to  the  driver's  seat,  if the  requirements  of  the  Annexes 
are  satisfied. 

Article 3 

1.  Member  States  may  grant  EC  type-approval  to  vehicles  whose  construction 
characteristics  meet  the  derogations  specified  in  paragraphs  7.6.1.1.bis,  7.6.1.4.bis. 
7.7.8.l.bis,  7.7.8.1.1.bis,  7.7.8.4.1.bis  of  Annex  I  and  7.6.1.1  bis  and  7.6.1.4  bis  of 
Annex VIII for vehicles of Class I, A, and B not  exceeding an overall width  of 2.3 m 
and for Class I double-decker vehicles. 

2.  Member  States  may  prohibit  the  sale,  the  first  and  all  successive  registrations  and 
the entry  into  service  of  vehicles  benefiting  from  the  derogations  described  in 
paragraph  1. 

3. 

Paragraphs  1 and  2 shall be reviewed,  if necessary,  by the  Commission  on  the  basis 
of a report to be drawn up by it in 2003. 

Article 4 

1. 

.  Vehicles  of  Class  I  designed  to  provide  scheduled  urban  and  interurban  services 
shall conform  either  to  the  technical  provisions  laid  down  in Annex  I,  Part  B  or  to 
those  of  Annex  I,  Part  C,  and  to  the  requirements  for  at  least  one  of the  boarding 
aids specified  in Annex VII. 

2.  Where  necessary,  the Commission  shall  submit  to  the European  Parliament  and  the 
Council,  on the  basis of a full  study,  a proposal  to  amend  this Directive  in order  to 
lay  down  the  technical  requirements  for  Class  II  vehicles  used  for  scheduled  urban 
and interurban services. 

3.  Member  States  shall  have  freedom  to  choose  the  most  appropriate  solution  to 
achieve improved accessibility in vehicles other than those referred  to in paragraph  1. 

18 

Item 52 of Annex IV, Part I, of Directive 70/156/EEC is replaced by the following  text: 

Article 5 

Subject 

Directive 

OJNo 

Applicability 

52 

Buses and 
Coaches 

M!  M2 

M3 

Ni  N2  N3  0!  o2  o3  o4 

97/  /EC 

L 

X 

X 

Article 6 

Any amendment  necessary  to  adapt  the requirements  of the Annexes to  technical  progress 
shall be adopted  in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 7. 

Article 7 

The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  the  committee  established  under  Article  13(1)  of 
Directive  70/156/EEC. 

The  representative  of  the  Commission  shall  submit  to  the  committee  a  draft  of  the 
measures  to  be  taken.  The  committee  shall  deliver  its  opinion  on  the  draft  within  a 
time-limit  which  the  Chairman  may  lay  down  according  to  the  urgency  of  the  matter,  if 
necessary by taking a vote. 

The opinion shall be recorded  in the minutes; in addition, each Member  State shall have the 
right to ask to have its position recorded  in the minutes. 

The Commission  shall take the utmost  account  of the opinion  delivered  by the  committee. 
It  shall  inform  the  committee  of  the  manner  in  wliich  its  opinion  has  been  taken 
into account. 

Article 8 

1.  Member  States  shall  adopt  and  publish  the  laws,  regulations  and  administrative 
provisions necessary to comply with this Directive not  later than 30 June  1999. They 
shall forthwith  inform the Commission thereof. 

When  Member  States  adopt  these  provisions,  these  shall  contain  a reference  to  this 
Directive  or  shall  be  accompanied  by  such  reference  at  the  time  of  their  official 
publication.  The procedure for  such reference  shall be adopted by Member States. 

Member  States  shall  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  texts  of  the  main 
provisions of national law which they adopt  in the field  covered  by this Directive. 

As from  30 June  1999, Member  States may not  prohibit  the initial  entry  into  service 
of vehicles which conform  to this Directive. 

Member  States shall apply the provisions referred  to in paragraph  1 with  effect  from 
1 October  1999. 

Article 9 

This Directive shall enter into force  on the twentieth day following that  of its publication in 
the OfficialJournal  of the European  Communities. 

This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 

Article 10 

Done at Brussels, 

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

20 

LIST OF ANNEXES 

ANNEX I: 

Scope,  definitions,  application  for  EC  Vehicle  Type-Approval  or  Separate 
Technical  Unit  Type-approval  of  a  Body  or  of  a  superstructure, 
Modifications  of  Vehicle,  Body  or  Superstructure  Type,  Conformity  of 
Production and Requirements. 

Part A 
PartB 
PartC 

Requirements common to all vehicles, 
Specific requirements for low-floor buses, 
Specific requirements for vehicles other than low-floor buses. 

Appendix  1 :  Verification  of static tilting limit by means of calculation. 

ANNEX II: 

Information  document and EC Type-Approval  Certificate. 

Appendix  1 : 

Information  document. 

Sub-Appendix  1  Information  document for a vehicle type 

Sub-Appendix 2  Information  document for a body type 

Sub-Appendix 3  Information  document  for  a  vehicle  type  fitted  with  a 

body already approved  as a separate technical unit. 

Sub-Appendix 4  Information  document for a superstructure-type. 

Appendix 2:  Type-Approval  Certificate. 

Sub-Appendix  1  EC Type-Approval Certificate  for a vehicle type 

Sub-Appendix 2  EC Type-Approval Certificate  for a body type 

Sub-Appendix 3  EC  Type-Approval  Certificate  for  a vehicle type  fitted 
with  a  body  already  approved  as  a  separate 
technical unit. 

Sub-Appendix 4  EC  Type-Approval  Certificate  for  a  superstructure 

type 

ANNEX HI:  Explanatory Diagrams. 

ANNEX IV:  Strength of Superstructure. 

Appendix  1 :  Roll Over Test for a Complete Vehicle 

Appendix 2:  Roll Over Test for  a Body  Section 

21 

Appendix 3 :  Test on a Body Section 

Sub-appendix  1 :  Calculation of Total Energy E+ 

Sub-appendix 2  Requirements for  the  distribution  of the  main energy 
absorbing parts of the superstructure 

Appendix 4:  Verification of strength of superstructure by calculation 

ANNEX V:  Guidelines for Measuring the closing forces of power-operated doors. 

ANNEX VI:  Special  requirements  for  vehicles  having  a  capacity  not  exceeding 

22 passengers. 

ANNEX VII:  Requirements  for  technical  devices  facilitating  the  access  to  buses  for 

people of reduced mobility. 

ANNEX VIII: Special requirements for double-decker buses. 

ANNEX IX:  Electrical conductor test. 

ANNEX X:  Requirements for the body as a Separate Technical Unit type-approval and 
type-approval of a vehicle fitted with a body already approved as a Separate 
Technical Unit. 

22 

ANNEX I 

SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICATION FOR EC VEHICLE  TYPE-APPROVAL 
OR SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT TYPE-APPRO VAL OF A BODY, 
MODIFICATIONS  OF VEHICLE OR BODY TYPE , CONFORMITY 
OF PRODUCTION AND REQUIREMENTS 

This  Annex,  which  contains  the  requirements  for  buses  and  coaches,  is  divided  in  three 
parts as follows: 

Part A 
PartB 
PartC 

Requirements common to all vehicles, 
Requirements for low-floor buses, 
Requirements for vehicles other than low-floor buses. 

The numbering of paragraphs is common for the three parts. 

1. 

1.1 

PART A 
REQUIREMENTS  COMMON TO ALL VEHICLES 

SCOPE 

to  every  single  deck,  double  deck,  rigid  or 
This  Directive  applies 
articulated vehicle  of  category  M2  or  M3  as  defined  in  Annex  II  A  of 
Council Directive 70/156/EEC. 

1.2 

The requirements of this Directive do not apply to the following vehicles: 

1.2.1 

prison vehicles; 

1.2.2 

vehicles  specially  designed  for  the  carriage  of  injured  or  sick  persons 
(ambulances); 

1.2.3 

off road vehicles. 

1.3 

The  requirements  of this Directive  apply  to  the  following  vehicles  only to  the 
extent that it is compatible with their intended use and  function: 

1.3.1 

vehicles designed for use by police, security and armed forces; 

1.3.2 

vehicles  which  contain  seating  intended  solely  for  use  when  the  vehicle  is 
stationary, but which are not designed to carry more than 8 persons  (excluding 
the driver) when  in motion.  Examples  of these  include mobile libraries,  mobile 
churches  and  mobile  hospitality  units.  The  seats  in  such  vehicles  which  are 
designated  for  use  when  the  vehicle  is  in  motion  must  be  clearly  identified 
to users. 

23 

2 

DEFINITIONS 

For the purpose of this Directive: 

2.1 

2.1.1 

"Vehicle" means a vehicle of categories M2 and M3  designed  and  constructed 
for the carriage of seated or seated and standing passengers. 

For  vehicles  having  a  capacity  exceeding  22  passengers  in  addition  to  the 
driver* there are three classes of vehicles : 

2.1.1.1 

"Class  I"  Vehicles  constructed  with  areas  for  standing  passengers,  to  allow 
frequent  passenger movement; 

2.1.1.2 

"Class  II"  Vehicles  constructed  principally  for 
the  carriage  of  seated 
passengers,  and  designed  to  allow  the  carriage  of  standing  passengers  in  the 
gangway  and/or  in an area which does not  exceed the  space provided  for  two 
double seats; 

2.1.1.3 

"Class 
seated passengers; 

III"  Vehicles  constructed 

exclusively 

for 

the 

carriage  of 

A vehicle may be regarded  as belonging in more than one Class. In such a case 
it may be approved for  each Class to which it corresponds; 

2.1.2 

For  vehicles having  a  capacity  not  exceeding  22  passengers  in  addition  to  the 
driver, there are two classes of vehicles: 

2.1.2.1 

"Class  A":  Vehicles  designed  to  carry  standing  passengers;  a  vehicle  of  this 
Class has seats and shall have provision for  standing passengers. 

2.1.2.2 

"Class B": Vehicles not designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this 
Class has no provision for standing passengers. 

2.1.3 

2.1.4 

"Articulated  vehicle"  means  a  vehicle  which  consists  of  two  or  more  rigid 
sections  which  articulate  relative to  one  another;  the  passenger  compartments 
of  each  section  intercommunicate  so that  passengers  can move freely between 
them;  the  rigid  sections  are  permanently  connected  so  that  they  can  only  be 
separated  by an operation involving facilities  which are normally  only found  in 
a workshop. 

"Low-floor  bus"  is  a  vehicle  in  which  at  least  35%  of  the  area  available  for 
standing  passengers  (or  in  its  forward  section  in  the  case  of  articulated 
vehicles,  or  in its lower  deck  in the  case  of  double-decker  vehicles)  forms  an 
area  without  steps  and  includes  access  to  at  least  one  service  door.  Such 
service  door  shall  be  suitable  for  the  admission  and  discharge  of  persons  of 
reduced  mobility. 

2.2 

"Definition of type(s)" 

2.2.1 

"Vehicle  type"  means  a category  of vehicles  which  do  not  essentially  differ  in 
the following  aspects: 

24 

body work manufacturer; 
chassis manufacturer; 
vehicle category (M2,M3); 
vehicle concept (Classes I, II, III, A and B); 
maximum technical mass of the vehicle; 
body work concept (single/double deck, articulated, low-floor); 
capacity limit (<12, >12 and < 22, >22 and <45, > 45 and < 50, > 50 and 
<70, > 70 and < 100, > 100 and < 140, > 140 passengers); 
body make and body type if the body has been  approved  as a separate 
technical unit. 

2.2.2 

"Body type" for  the  purposes  of  type-approval  as  a  separate  technical  unit 
means  a  category  of  bodies  which  do  not  essentially  differ 
in  the 
following aspects: 

body work manufacturer; 
body work make; 
vehicle concept (Classes I, II, III, A and B); 
body work concept (single/double deck, articulated, low-floor); 
capacity limit (<12, >12 and < 22, >22 and <45, > 45 and < 50, > 50 and 
<70, > 70 and < 100, > 100 and < 140, > 140 passengers); 
mass of the completely equipped vehicle bodywork, differing by 10%; 
specified • types  of  vehicle  on  which  the  type  of  the  bodywork  can 
be installed. 

"Approval of a vehicle or  a separate technical unit" means the approval  of a 
vehicle type,  of  a  body  type,  or  a  superstructure-type  as  defined  in 
paragraph 2.2 , paragraph 2.2. A of this Annex or paragraph 2.2 of Annex IV, 
with regard to the constructional features specified in this Directive. 

"Service  door"  means  a  door  intended  for  use  by  passengers  in  normal 
circumstances with the driver seated. 

"Double door" means a door  affording  two, or the equivalent  of two, access 
passages. 

"Sliding door" means a door which can be opened or closed  only by sliding it 
along one or more rectilinear or approximately rectilinear rails. 

"Emergency door" means a door intended for use by passengers as an exit only 
exceptionally, and in particular in an emergency. 

"Emergency  window"  means  a window,  not  necessarily  glazed,  intended  for 
use as an exit by passengers in an emergency only. 

"Double  or  multiple  window"  means  an  emergency  window  which,  when 
divided  into  two  or  more  parts  by  imaginary  vertical  line(s)  (or  plane(s)), 
exhibits  two  or  more  parts  respectively,  each  of  wliich  complies  as 
to dimensions  and  access  with  the  requirements  applicable  to  a  normal 
emergency window. 

25 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2 6 

2.7 

2.8 

2.9 

2.10 

2.11 

"Escape hatch" means a roof opening intended  for  use as an exit by passengers 
in an emergency only. 

"Emergency  exit"  means  an  emergency  door,  emergency  window  or 
escape hatch. 

2.12 

"Exit" means a service door or emergency exit. 

2.13 

2.14 

"Floor  or  deck"  means  that  part  of  the  body  work  whose  upper  surface 
supports standing passengers, the feet  of seated  passengers and the driver, and 
may support the seat mountings. 

"Gangway"  means the  space providing  access  by passengers from any  seat  or 
row of seats to any other seat or row of seats or to any access passage; it does 
not include. 

2.14.1 

the space required to accommodate the feet  of seated passengers; 

2.14.2 

the space above the surface of any step or staircase, or 

2.14.3 

any space which affords  access solely to one seat or row of seats. 

2.15 

2.16 

2.17 

2.18 

2.19 

2.20 

2.21 

"Access passage" means the passage through a doorway to a gangway. 

"Driver's compartment" means the space intended for driver's exclusive use and 
containing the driver's seat, the steering wheel,  controls, instruments  and other 
devices necessary for driving or operating the vehicle. 

"Unladen  kerb  mass  (MKV  means the  mass  of  the  vehicle  with  bodywork  in 
running  order,  unoccupied  and unladen but  including  coolant,  oils, fuel,  tools, 
spare  wheel  and  driver.  The  mass  of  the  driver  is  assessed  at  75  kilograms 
and the  fuel  tank(s)  is  (are)  filled  to  90%  of  the  capacity  specified  by 
the  manufacturer. 

"Technically  permissible  maximum  mass  -  (MTV  means  the  technically 
permissible maximum mass stated by the  manufacturer. 

"Passenger" means a person other than the driver or a member of the crew. For 
the  purposes  of  this  Directive,  "passengers  with  reduced  mobility"  means  all 
passengers  who  have  special  difficulty  when  using  public  transport,  especially 
elderly  people,  disabled  people  and,  among  these,  wheelchair  users.  Reduced 
mobility does not necessarily imply any form of medical impairment. 

"Member of the crew" means a person assigned to operate as a co-driver or the 
possible assistant. 

"Passenger  compartment"  means  the  space  intended  for  passengers'  use 
excluding  any  space  occupied  by  fixed  appliances  such  as  bars,  kitchenettes, 
toilets., or luggage/goods compartments. 

26 

2.22 

2.23 

2.24 

2.25 

3. 

3.1 

"Power-operated  service  door"  means  a  service  door  which- is  operated 
exclusively by energy other than muscular energy and the opening and closing 
of which is controlled by the driver. 

"Automatically operated  service door" means a power-operated  service  door 
which can be opened (other than by means of emergency controls) only after a 
control is operated  by a passenger and after  activation  of the controls by the 
driver, and which closes again automatically. 

"Starting  prevention  device"  means  an  automatic  device  which  prevents  the 
vehicle being driven away  fronvrest. 

"Driver operated service door" means a service door which normally is opened 
and closed by the driver. 

APPLICATION FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE. OF A BODY 
AS A SEPARATE  TECHNICAL UNIT  OR A SUPERSTRUCTURE  AS A 
SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT 

The application for EC vehicle type-approval or for EC separate technical unit 
type-approval  or  for  EC  type-approval  of  a  vehicle  fitted  with  a  body 
already approved  as  a  separate  technical  unit  pursuant  to  Article  3(4)  of 
Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type or of a body type or of a vehicle type 
fitted  with a body already approved as a separate technical unit with regard to 
its  special  provisions  for  vehicles  used  for  the  carriage  of  passengers 
comprising  more  than  eight  seats  in  addition  to  the  driver's  seat  shall  be 
submitted by the manufacturer. 

3.2 

A model for the information document is given in: 

Sub-Appendix 1 : 
Sub-Appendix 2: 
Sub Appendix 3: 

Sub-Appendix 4: 

for a vehicle type, 
for a body type, and 
for a vehicle type fitted with a body already approved as a 
separate technical unit 
for a superstructure 

A vehicle, a body or a superstructure representative of the type to be approved 
fitted with the  special  equipment  shall be submitted  to  the  Technical  Service 
responsible for the type-approval tests. 

GRANTING OF EC VEHICLE TYPE-APPROVAL 

If  the  relevant  requirements  are  satisfied,  EC  type-approval  pursuant  to 
Article 4(3) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be granted. 

3.3 

4. 

4.1 

27 

4.2 

A model for the EC type-approval certificate  is given in Annex II,- Appendix 2: 

4.3 

Sub-Appendix 1 
Sub-Appendix 2 
Sub-Appendix 3 

Sub-Appendix 4: 

for a vehicle type, 
for a body type, 
for a vehicle type fitted with a body already approved  as a 
separate technical unit 
for a superstructure. 

An  approval  number  in  accordance  with  Annex  VII  to  Directive  70/156/EEC 
shall  be  assigned  to  each  type  of  vehicle  ,  type  of  body  or  type  of 
superstructure approved, considering that  Section  1 should he modified  to read 
"...5  for  Sweden,  12  for  Austria,  17  for  Finland,  23  for  Greece..."  and 
considering  that  Section  2  shall  be  completed  with  the  character  "B"  if  the 
type-approval  corresponds  to  a  body  or  with  the  character  "R"  if  the  type-
approval  corresponds  to  a  superstructure.  The  same  Member  State  shall 
not assign  the  same  number  to  another  type  of  vehicle,  type  of  body  or  type 
of superstructure. 

4.4 

Markings 

4.4.1 

In  the  case  of  a  body  approved  as  a  separate  technical  unit,  the  body 
shall bear: 

4.4.1.1 

the trademark or trade name of the «manufacturer of the body, 

4.4.1.2 

the manufacturer's  trade description, 

4.4.1.3 

the EC type-approval number specified  in paragraph 4.3. 

4.4.2 

In the  case  of a  structure  approved  as a  separate  technical  unit,  the  structure 
shall bear: 

4.4.2.1 

a rectangle surrounding the lowercase letter  "e" followed  by the distinguishing 
letters or number of the Member State granting the approval: 

for  Germany 
1' 
'1' 
for France 
2' 
'2' 
for Italy 
3' 
'3' 
for  Netherlands 
4' 
'4' 
for  Sweden 
5' 
'5' 
for Belgium 
6' 
for  Spain 
'9* 
for United  Kingdom 
' 11 ' 
for  Austria 
'12' 
for  Luxembourg 
'13' 
11T 
for Finland 
for  Denmark 
'18' 
for  Portugal 
'21' 
'23' 
for  Greece 
'IRL'  for  Ireland 

2X 

4.4.2.2 

type-approval  number  referred 

in  the  vicinity  of  rectangle  the  "base  approval  number"  contained"  in 
to 
section 4 of  the 
Directive 70/156/EEC,  preceded  by  the  two  figures  indicating  the  sequence 
number  assigned 
to 
Directive 74/61/EEC  on  the  date  EEC  type-approval  was  granted.  In  this 
Directive, the sequence number is 00; 

the  most  recent  major 

technical  amendment 

in  Annex  VII 

to 

to 

4.4.2.3 

the  additional  symbol  "R"  indicating  that  the  separate  technical  unit  is 
approved as a superstructure. 

4.4.2.4 

Example of EC type-approval mark of a superstructure is given below(*): 

2a 

en  a  a  R-002431 

3a 

4.4.3 

These marks must be clearly legible and indelible, even when the body and the 
structure are fitted on a vehicle. 

5. 

5.1 

6.1 

7. 

7.1 

7.1.1 

MODIFICATION  OF THE TYPES AND AMENDMENTS  TO APPROVAL 

In  the  case  of  modifications  of  the  vehicle  type,  of  a  type  of  bodywork  or  a 
type  of  superstructure  in  particular  approved  pursuant  to  this  Directive,  the 
provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall apply. 

CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION 

Measures to  ensure the  conformity  of production  shall be taken  in  accordance 
with the provisions laid down in Article  10 of Directive 70/156/EEC. 

REQUIREMENTS 

Load  distribution between axles and loading conditions 

The  load  distribution  of  a  stationary  vehicle  on  level  ground  shall  be 
determined in two conditions: 

7.1.1.1 

unladen,  as specified  in 7.1.3 and 

(  ) 

The above type-approval  mark  affixed  to a vehicle shows that  the vehicle type concerned  has, with 
regard  to the  strength of the superstructure  (R), been type-approved  in the United  Kingdom  ( E l l) 
under  type-approval  number 002431. The first two digits of the type-approval  number  indicate that 
the  type-approval  was  granted  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  this  Directive  in  its 
original  form. 

29 

7.1.1.2 

laden, as specified  in 7.1.4. 

7.1.2 

The front axle or  axles shall carry not  less than  the percentage  of mass  of the 
vehicle shown in the table below: 

Loading 
conditions 
UNLADEN 
LADEN 

CLASS I & A 

CLASS II 

RIGID 
20 
25 

ARTIC 
20 
20 

RIGID 
25 
25 

ARTIC 
20 
20 

CLASS m  & B 
RIGID 
ARTIC 
25 
20 
25 
20 

7.1.3 

7.1.4 

7.1.5 

7.1.6 

7.1.7 

Unladen, for the purpose of this paragraph (7.1), and paragraph 7.3, means the 
vehicle in the  condition  described in paragraph  2.17 (unladen  kerb  mass  MK) 
with the  addition  of  75  kg for  the mass of the  crew  if there  is  a  crew  seat  as 
described in paragraph 7.7.1.8. 

Laden,  for  the  purpose  of this paragraph  (7.1),  means  the  vehicle  unladen  as 
described  in paragraph  7.1.3  with the  addition  of a mass Q on each  passenger 
seat,  a  number,  corresponding 
the  authorised  number  of  standing 
passengers,  of masses  Q uniformly  distributed  over the  area  SI,  a mass  equal 
to  B  (kg)  uniformly  distributed  in  the  baggage  compartments  and,  where 
appropriate, a mass equal to BX uniformly  distributed  over the  surface  area of 
the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage. 

to 

The  values  of  Q  for  the  different  Classes  of  vehicle  are  specified 
paragraph  7.3 below. 

in 

B(kg)  shall have a numerical value not  less than  100 x V (where V is the total 
volume of baggage compartments, in m3). 

BX  shall exert  specific  load  of not  less than  75 kg/m2  over  the whole  surface 
area of the roof equipped for the carriage of luggage. 

7.2 

Area available for  passengers 

7.2.1 

The  total  surface  area  So  available  for  passengers  is  calculated  by  deducting 
from the total area of the floor of the vehicle: 

7.2.1.1 

the area of the driver's compartment; 

7.2.1.2 

7.2.1.3 

the  area  of  steps  at  doors  and the  area  of  any other  step  with  a  depth  of  less 
than  30  cm,  and  the  area  swept  by  the  door  and  its  mechanism  when  it  is 
operated; 

the  area  of  any  part  over  which  the  vertical  clearance  is  less  than  135  cm 
measured  from  the  floor,  according  to  paragraph  7.7.8  and  disregarding 
permitted  intrusions. In the case of vehicles to which paragraph  7.7.1.9 applies, 
this dimension may be reduced to  120 cm; 

30 

7.2.1.4 

the  area  of any part  of the vehicle to  which  access by passengers  is  prevented 
as defined  in paragraph  7.9.4; 

7.2.1.5 

the area of any space reserved  solely for the carriage  of goods  or luggage and 
from which passengers are excluded; 

7.2.1.6 

the area required to provide a clear works area at services; 

7.2.1.7 

the floor  area occupied by any staircase in the vehicle. 

7.2.2 

The  surface  area  Si  available  for  standing  passengers  is  calculated  by 
deducting from So: 

7.2.2.1 

the  area  of  all  parts  of  the  floor  in  which  the  slope  exceeds  the  maximum 
permissible values as determined in paragraph 7.7.6; 

7.2.2.2 

the area  of all parts  which are not  accessible to  a standing  passenger  when  all 
the seats are occupied; 

7.2.2.3 

the area of all parts where the clear height  above the floor  is less than  190 cm 
or -in the case of the section of the gangway situated above and behind the rear 
axle, and the attaching parts thereof - less than  180 cm (handholds  shall not be 
taken into account in this connection); 

7.2.2.4 

the  area  forward  of  a vertical  plane  passing  through  the  centre  of the  seating 
surface  of the driver's  seat  (in its rearmost  position)  and through  the centre  of 
the exterior rear-view mirror mounted on the opposite side of the vehicle; 

7.2.2.5 

the area 30 cm in front  of any seat; 

7.2.2.6 

any part  of the  surface  of the floor  (e.g.  a  corner  or  edge)  on  which  it  is not 
possible to place any part of a rectangle of 400 mm x 300 mm; 

7.2.2.7 

any  surface  which  is  not  capable  of  circumscribing  a  rectangle  of  400  mm 
x 300 mm; 

7.2.2.8 

in vehicles of Class II, the area in which standing is not  allowed. 

7.3 

Number of passengers  accommodated 

7.3.1 

There  shall be on the vehicle a number  (P) of seating  places which conform  to 
the requirements of paragraph  7.7.8.  If the vehicle is of Class I or Class II and 
A, the number P  shall be at least equal to the number of square metres of  floor 
available  for  passengers  and  crew  (if  any)  (So)  rounded  down  to  the  nearest 
whole number. 

31 

7.3.2 

The  total  number  N  of  passenger  and  crew  accommodation  for-vehicles  shall 
comply with the following  inequalities: 

Si 

M T - M K-  100V-BX 

N < P + 

, and  N  < 
Ssp 

Q 

P 
Si 

Ssp 

MT 
MK 

Number of seating places (paragraph 7.3.1); 
Surface  area  (m2)  (paragraph  7.2.2)  available  for  standing 
passengers; 
Space  provided  for  one  standing  passenger  (m2/passenger) 
(see below); 
Technical maximum mass (kg) (paragraph.  2.18); 
Unladen kerb mass (kg) (paragraph 2.17); 
V  total  volume  of  luggage  compartment  ( n r)  (paragraph 
7.1.6); 
BX  shall  exert  specific  load  of not  less than  75  kg/m2  over  the 
whole  roof  surface  equipped  for  the  carriage  of  luggage 
(paragraph  7.1.7.);] 
Given mass of one passenger (kg) (table in 7.3.2); 
In the case of vehicles of Class III and B Si  = 0. 
The value of Q and Ssp for each Class of vehicle is as follows: 

Class 

Q(kg) mass of one 
place for passenger 

Ssp (m2/passenger) space 
provided for  one standing 
passenger 

ClassI&A(**) 

CÎâssn 

Class III & B 

68 

7Ï(*) 

71(*) 

0.125 

ÔÏÏ5 

No standing passenger 

(*) 
(**) 

Including 3 kg for hand luggage. 
If  a  vehicle  of  Class  II,  Class  III  or  Class  B  is  approved  as  a  Class  I or  Class A 
vehicle,  the  mass of luggage carried  in  luggage compartments  accessible only  from 
outside the vehicle is not taken into account. 

7.3.3 

7.3.4 

When  the  vehicle  is  loaded  with  a  number  N  of  passengers  and  crew  and  a 
mass B + BX  of baggage the masses  on each  axle and the mass  of the  vehicle 
shall not exceed the value of their respective maximum technical masses. 

The  vehicle  shall  be  clearly  marked  in  a  manner  visible  on  the  inside  in  the 
vicinity of the front door  in letters or pictograms not  less than  15 mm high and 
numbers not less than 25 mm high, with 

32 

7.3.4.1 

the maximum number of seating places the vehicle is designed to carry,  -  -

7.3.4.2 

the  maximum  number  of  standing  places,  if  any,  the  vehicle  is  designed  to 
carry and, 

7.3.4.3 

the  maximum  number  of wheelchairs  which the vehicle is designed  to  carry,  if 
any, and 

7.3.4.4 

the mass of luggage which may be carried when the number of passengers and 
crew in the vehicle are not causing the technical maximum mass of the vehicle, 
or of any axle, to be exceeded: 

7.3.4.4.1 

in luggage compartments (see paragraph 7.1.6), 

7.3.4.4.2 

on the roof if equipped for the carriage of baggage (see paragraph  7.1.7). 

7.4 

Stability test 

7.4.1 

The  stability  of  a  vehicle  shall  be  such  that  the  point  at  which  overturning 
occurs  would  not  be  passed  if  the  surface  on  which  the  vehicle  stands  were 
tilted to both sides in turn at an angle of 35 degrees from the horizontal. 

7.4.2 

For the purposes  of the above test,  the vehicle shall be unladen  as described in 
paragraph  7.1.3, with the addition  of: 

7.4.2.1 

7.4.3 

7.4.4 

7.4.5 

Loads  equal  to  Q  (as  defined  in  paragraph  7.3.2)  shall  be  placed  on  each 
passenger  and  crew  seat. If the vehicle is intended  for  standees or with  a crew 
member  who  is  not  seated,  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  loads  Q  or  75  kg 
representing them,  shall be uniformly  distributed  over the standee or  crew  area 
respectively,  at  a  height  of  875  mm.  Where  a  vehicle  is  equipped  to  carry 
luggage  on  the  roof,  a  uniformly  distributed  mass  of  not  less  than  that 
prescribed  in  paragraph  7.1.7,  representing  such  luggage,  shall  be  secured  to 
the roof. The other luggage compartment  shall not contain any luggage. 

The  height  of  any  step  used  to  prevent  a  wheel  of  the  vehicle  form  slipping 
sideways  on  a tilt  test  rig  shall  not  be  greater  than  two-thirds  of the  distance 
between  the  surface  upon  which  the- vehicle  stands  before  it  is tilted  and  that 
part of the rim of that wheel which is nearest  to the surface when the vehicle is 
loaded  in accordance with paragraph  7.4.2. 

During  the  test,  no  parts  of  vehicle  which  are  not  intended  to  come  into 
contact  in  normal  use  shall  do  so,  nor  shall  any  part  become  damaged 
or deranged. 

Alternatively,  a  calculation  method  can  be  used  to  show  that  the  vehicle  will 
not  overturn  under  the  conditions  described  in  paragraphs  7.4.1  and  7.4.2. 
Such a calculation  shall take into account the following  parameters: 

7.4.5.1 

masses and dimensions; 

7.4.5.2 

height of centre of gravity; 

33 

7.4.5.3 

spring rates; 

7.4.5.4 

vertical and horizontal tyre rates; 

7.4.5.5 

characteristics of the control of air pressure in the air springs; 

7.4.5.6 

position of the centre of moments, 

7.4.5.7 

torsion resistance of the body. 

The method of calculation is described in Appendix  1  to this Annex. 

7.5 

Protection against fire risks 

7.5.1 

Engine compartment 

7.5.1.1 

7.5.1.2 

7.5.1.3 

No  flammable  sound-proofing  material  or  material 
to  become 
impregnated  with fuel,  lubricant  or  other  combustible  material  shall be used in 
is  covered  by  an 
the 
impermeable sheet. 

engine  compartment  unless 

the  material 

liable 

Precautions  shall  be  taken,  either  by  a  suitable  layout  of  the  engine 
compartment  or  by  the  provision  of  drainage  orifices,  to  avoid,  so  far  as 
possible,  the  accumulation  of  fuel,  lubricating  oil  or  any  other  combustible 
material in any part of the engine compartment. 

liberated  when  a  vehicle 

A  partition  of  heat  resisting  material  shall  be  fitted  between  the  engine 
compartment  or any other  source of heat  (such  as a device designed  to  absorb 
the  energy 
long  gradient, 
e.g. a retarder  or a device for  heating the  interior  of the body  other,  however, 
than  a  device  functioning  by  warm  water  circulation)  and  the  rest  of  the 
vehicle.  All  fixings  clips,  gaskets  etc.  used  in  conjunction  with  the  partition 
shall be fire resistant. 

is  descending  a 

7.5.1.4 

A  heating  device  operating  other  than  by  hot  water  may  be  provided  in  the 
passenger  compartment  if  it  is  encased  material  designed  to  resist  the 
temperatures  generated  by the device,  emits  no  toxic  fumes  and  is  positioned 
such that no passenger is likely to come into contact with any hot  surface. 

7.5.2 

Fuel-feed  systems 

7.5.2.1 

No apparatus used for  the fuel  feed  shall be placed  in the driver's  compartment 
or the passenger  compartment. 

7.5.2.2 

Fuel lines and  all other  parts of the fuel-feed  system  shall be accommodated  in 
positions on the vehicle where they have the fullest  reasonable protection. 

7.5.2.3 

Twisting  or  bending  movements  and  vibration  of  the  vehicle  structure  or  the 
power unit  shall not subject the fuel  lines to abnormal stress. 

34 

7.5.2.4 

The unions  of pliable  or flexible pipes  with  rigid  parts  of the  fuel-feed-system 
shall  be  so  designed  and  constructed  as  to  remain  leak  proof  in  the  various 
conditions  of  use  of  the  vehicle,  despite  ageing,  twisting  or  bending 
movements, or vibration of the vehicle structure or the power unit. 

7.5.2.5 

Fuel  leaking from any  part  of the  system  shall  be  able  to  flow  away freely to 
the road  surface,  but never onto the exhaust system. 

7.5.3 

Electrical equipment and wiring 

7.5.3.1 

7.5.3.2 

7.5.3.3 

All cables shall be well insulated and all cables and electrical equipment  shall be 
able to  withstand  the  temperature  and  humidity  conditions  to  which  they  are 
exposed.  In the engine  compartment,  particular  attention  shall be paid to  their 
suitability  to  withstand  the  environmental  temperature  and  the  effects  of  all 
likely contaminants. 

, . 

• 

No  cable  used  in  an  electrical  circuit  shall  carry  a  current  in  excess  of  that 
acceptable  for  such  a  cable  in  the  light  of  its  mode  of  installation  and  the 
maximum ambient temperature. 

Every electrical circuit feeding  an item of equipment  other than the starter,  the 
ignition  circuit  (positive  ignition), the glow-plugs,  the  engine-stopping  device, 
the  charging  circuit  and  the  battery  earth  connection  shall  include  a fuse  or  a 
circuit  breaker.  They  may  however,  be  protected  by  a  common  fuse  or  a 
common circuit-breaker,  provided that its rated capacity does not exceed  16 A. 

7.5.3.4 

All cables shall be well protected  and  shall be held  securely  in position  in such 
a way that they cannot be damaged by cutting, abrasion or  chafing. 

7.5.3.5  Where the voltage exceeds  100 Volts RMS (root  mean square) in one or more 
electrical  circuits  in  a  vehicle,  a  manually-operated  isolating  switch  which  is 
capable  of disconnecting  all  such  circuits from the  main  electrical  supply  shall 
be connected  in each pole of that  supply which is not  electrically  connected  to 
earth,  and  shall be located  inside the vehicle in a position  readily  accessible  to 
the  driver,  provided  that  no  such  isolating  switch  shall  be  capable  of 
disconnecting  any  electrical  circuit  supplying  the  mandatory  external  vehicle 
lights. This paragraph does not apply to high tension ignition circuits or to self-
contained circuits within a unit of equipment on the vehicle. 

7.5.3.6 

All electrical  cables  shall be so located  that  no part  can make contact  with any 
fuel  line  or  any  part  of the  exhaust  system,  or  be  subjected  to  excessive  heat, 
unless  suitable  special  insulation  and  protection  is provided,  as for  example  to 
a solenoid  operated  exhaust valve. 

7.5.3.7 

All electrical cables shall comply with the prescriptions of Annex IX. 

7.5.4 

Batteries 

7.5.4.1 

All batteries shall be well secured and easily accessible. 

JO 

7.5.4.2 

The  battery  compartment  shall  be  separated  from  the  passenger  compartment 
and driver's compartment  and ventilated to outside air. 

7.5.4.3 

The battery terminals shall be protected  against the risk of short  circuit. 

7.5.5 

Fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment 

7.5.5.1 

7.5.5.2 

7.5.5.3 

The vehicle  shall be fitted with  one or  more fire extinguishers,  one  being  near 
the driver's seat.  Vehicles of Classes A & B shall be equipped  with  at least  one 
extinguisher  having  a minimum  test  rating  of 8A 34B to  CEN  Standard  EN 3 
Part  1 and  at  least  a  capacity  of 2 kg.  Vehicles  of  Classes  I,  II  &  III  shall  be 
equipped  with  at  least  one  extinguisher  having  a  minimum  test  rating  of 
21A  113B to  CEN  Standard  EN  3 Part  1 and  at  least  a capacity  of 6 kg.  The 
extinguishers  shall not contain halogenated  hydrocarbons as the extinguishant. 

Space  shall be provided  for  the fitting of one  or  more first-aid kits.  The  space 
provided  shall be not  less than  7 dm3,  the minimum dimension  shall not be less 
than 80 mm. 

Fire  extinguishers  and  first  aid  kits may be  secured  against  theft  or  vandalism 
(e.g.  in  an  internal  locker  or  behind  breakable  glass),  provided  that  the 
locations of these items are clearly marked  and means are provided  for  persons 
to easily extract them in an emergency. 

7.5.6 

Materials 

No  flammable  material  shall  be  permitted  within  10 cm  of the  exhaust  system 
or  any  other  significant  source  of  heat  unless  the  material  is  effectively 
shielded.  Where  necessary,  shielding  shall  be  provided  to  prevent  grease  or 
other  flammable  materials  coming  into  contact  with  exhaust  system  or  other 
significant  heat  sources.  For  the  purposes  of  this  paragraph,  a  flammable 
material  is  considered  to  be  one  which  is  not  designed  to  withstand  the 
temperatures likely to be encountered  in that location 

7.6. 

Exits 

7.6.1. 

Number of exits 

7.6.1.1 

The  minimum  number  of  doors  in  a  vehicle  shall  be  two,  either  two  service 
doors  or  one  service  door  and  one  emergency  door.  The  minimum  number  of 
service doors required  is as follows: 

Number of passengers 

Number of service doors 

9-  45 
46-  70 
71 - 100 
101 -  140 
>  140 

Class I & A 

1 

J) 

4 
5 

Class II 
1 
2 

Class III & B 
1 
o 

J) 

4 
5 

_ •> 

4 
5 

j 

7.6.1.1 .bis  By derogation to the provisions of 7.6.1.1, Member  States may permit  the sale 

or entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following  provision: 

Every  vehicle of Class I and A not  exceeding  an  overall  width  of 2.3  m.  shall 
have  two  doors,  one  service  door  and  one  emergency  door  on  the  opposite 
side. The minimum number of doors required is as follows: 

Number of passengers 

9 - 45 
4 6-  70 
71 -  100 
101 -  140 
>  140 

1 

I 

Number of doors 
Class I & A 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7.6.1.2 

7.6.1.3 

The  minimum  number  of  service  doors  in  each  rigid  section  of  an  articulated 
vehicle  shall be one except  that  this minimum number  shall be two  in the  case 
of the front  section of an articulated vehicle of Class I. 

For  the  purpose  of  this  requirement,  service  doors  equipped  with  a  power 
operated  control  system  shall  not  be  deemed  to  be  emergency  doors  unless 
they  can be  readily  opened  by hand,  once the  control  prescribed  in  paragraph 
7.6.5.1 has been activated if necessary. 

7.6.1.4 

The minimum number of emergency exits shall be such that the total number of 
exits is as follows: 

Number of passengers 
9 - 16 
1 7 - 30 
31 -  45 
4 6 - 60 
6 1 - 75 
7 6 - 90 
91-110 
111-130 
>  130 

I 

Minimum total number 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 

Escape  hatches  can  only  count  as  one  of  the  abovementioned  number  of 
emergency exits. 

37 

7.6.1.4.bis  By derogation  to the provisions of 7.6.1.4, Member  States may permit  the sale 

or entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following  provision: 

The  minimum  number  of  exits  for  vehicles  of  Class  I  and  A  not  exceeding 
an overall  width  of  2.3  m.  shall  be  such  that  the  total  number  of  exits  is 
as follows: 

Number of passengers 
9 - 16 
1 7 - 30 
3 1 - 45 
4 6 - 60 
6 1 - 75 
7 6 - 90 
91-110 
111-130 
>  130 

. 

I 

Minimum total number 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
H 

Escape hatches can only count as one of the abovementioned  number of exits. 

7.6.1.5 

Each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be treated  as a separate vehicle 
for  the purpose  of determining  the minimum  number  and the  position  of exits, 
except  for  7.6.2.4.  A  number  of  passengers  shall  be  determined  for  each 
rigid section. 

7.6.1.6 

A double  service  door  shall  count  as two  doors  and  a double  window  as  two 
emergency windows. 

7.6.1.7 

If  the  driver's  compartment  does  not  provide  access  to  the  passenger 
compartment  by means  of a passageway  complying  with  one of the  conditions 
described in paragraph  7.7.1.1, the following  conditions shall be met: 

7.6.1.7.1  The  driver's  compartment  shall  have  two  exits,  which  shall  not  both  be  in  the 
same lateral  wall; when  one  of the  exits  is a window,  it  shall  comply  with  the 
requirements  set out in paragraphs 7.6.3.1 and 7.6.8 for  emergency windows. 

7.6.1.7.2  One  or  two  seats  are  permitted  alongside  the  driver  for  additional  people,  in 
which case both the exits referred  to in paragraph  7.6.1.7.1 shall be doors.  The 
driver's  door  shall  be  accepted  as  the  emergency  door  for  the  occupants  of 
those  seats,  provided  that  the  driver's  seat,  the  steering  wheel,  the  engine 
housing, the gear  level, the hand brake control  etc. do not  constitute too  great 
an  obstruction.  The  door  provided  for  those  additional  people  shall  be 
accepted  as the emergency door for  the driver.  Up to five additional  seats may 
be  fitted  in  a  compartment  incorporating  the  driver's  compartment,  provided 
that  the  additional  seats  and  the  space  for  these  seats  comply  with  all 
requirements  of  this  Directive  and  at  least  one  door  giving  access  to  the 
passenger  compartment  complies with the requirements  of paragraph  7.6.3  for 
emergency doors. 

3X 

7.6.1.7.3 

In the  circumstances  described  in paragraphs  7.6.1.7.1  and  7.6.1.7.2,  the exits 
provided  for  the  driver's  compartment  shall  not  count  as  one  of  the  doors 
required  by paragraphs  7.6.1.1  to  7.6.1.2,  nor  as  one  of the  exits  required  by 
paragraph  7.6.1.4,  except  in  the  case  mentioned  in  paragraphs  7.6.1.7.1  and 
7.6.1.7.2. Paragraphs from  7.6.3 to  7.6.7,  7.7.1,  7.7.2  and  7.7.7  shall not apply 
to such exits. 

7.6.1.8 

If  the  driver's  compartment  and  seats  adjacent  to  it  are  accessible  from  the 
main passenger compartment by means of a passageway complying with one of 
the conditions described  in paragraph  7.7.1.1,  no external  exit is required from 
the driver's  compartment. 

7.6.1.9 

If  a  driver's  door  or  other  exit  from  the  compartment  is  provided  in  the 
circumstances  described  in paragraph  7.6.1.8,  it  may only count  as an  exit  for 
passengers  provided: 

7.6.1.9.1 

it is not  necessary to  squeeze between the  steering wheel  and the driver's  seat, 
in order to make use of that exit; 

7.6.1.9.2 

it  satisfies  the  requirements  relating  to  the  dimensions  of  emergency  doors 
indicated  in paragraph  7.6.3.1. 

7.6.1.10 

Paragraphs  7.6.1.8.  and  7.6.1.9  do  not  preclude  there  being  a  door  or  other 
barrier between the driver's seat and the passenger  compartment,  provided  that 
this  barrier  can  be  released  quickly  by  the  driver  in  an  emergency.  A  driver's 
door  in a compartment  protected  by  such  a barrier  shall  not  be  counted  as an 
exit for  passengers. 

7.6.1.11 

Escape hatches, additional to the emergency doors and windows,  shall be  fitted 
in the  roof  of  the  Class  II,  III  and  B  vehicles.  They  may  also  be  fitted  in the 
case  of Class  I and  A vehicles.  In  such  cases the  minimum  number  of  hatches 
shall be: 

Number of passengers 
not exceeding  50 
exceeding  50 

Number of hatches 
•  1 
2 

7.6.2 

Siting of exits 

Vehicles  having  a  capacity  exceeding  22  passenger  seats  shall  meet  the 
requirements  shown  below.  Vehicles  having  a  capacity  not  exceeding 
22 passengers  may  meet  either  the  requirements  shown  below  or  those 
contained  in Annex VI, paragraph  1.2. 

7.6.2.1 

The service door(s)  shall be situated  on the side of the vehicle that is nearer to 
the side  of the road  corresponding  to  the  direction  of traffic  in the  country in 
which the vehicle is to be licensed  for  operation  and  at least  one of them  shall 
be in the forward  half of the vehicle. This does not preclude the provision  of a 
door in the rear face of a vehicle for use by wheelchair passengers. 

39 

7.6.2.2 

In case of more than one service door, two of the doors shall be separated  such 
that  the  distance  between  transverse  vertical  planes  through  their  centres  of 
area  is  not  less  than  40  per  cent  of  the  overall  length  of  the  passenger 
compartment.  If  one  of  these  two  doors  forms  part  of  a  double  door  this 
distance shall be measured between the two doors which are furthest  apart. 

7.6.2.3 

The  exits  shall  be  placed  in  such  a  way  that  their  number  on  each  of  the 
two sides of the vehicle is substantially the same. 

7.6.2.4 

At least  one emergency  exit  shall be situated  either  in the rear  face  or  in the 
front  face  of the vehicle  respectively.  For  Class  I  vehicles,  this  provision  is 
fulfilled  if the escape hatch is fitted in the roof. 

7.6.2.5 

The exits on the same side of the vehicle shall be suitably spaced  out along the 
length of the vehicle. 

7.6.2.6 

A door shall, provided that it is not a service door, be permitted in the rear face 
of the vehicle. 

7.6.2.7 

If escape hatches are fitted  they  shall be positioned  as follows:  If there is only 
one  hatch,  it  shall be situated  in the middle third  of the  roof;  if there  are two 
hatches,  they  shall  be  separated  by  a  distance  of  at  least  2  m.  measured 
between the nearest  edges of the apertures in a line parallel to the longitudinal 
axis of the vehicle. 

7.6.3 

Minimum dimensions of exits 

7.6.3.1 

The several kinds of exit shall have the following  minimum dimensions: 

Class I 

Height (cm) 

180 

Class II 
and III 
165 

Service 
door 

Door 
aperture 

Width (cm) 

single door: see part B &C 
double door: 120 

Height (cm) 
Width (cm) 

Emergency 
door 

Emergency 
window 

Area: (cm2) 

125 
see part B&C 

4 000 

Remarks 

-
This dimension may 
be reduced by 10 cm 
when the measurement 
is made at the level of 
the hand holds 

-

It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle of 50 cm x 
70 cm 

Emergency window situât 
face of the vehicle. If the i 
does not provide an emerg 
the minimum dimensions 
Escape 
hatch 

Hatch 
aperture 

ed in the rear 
nanufacturer 
,ency window of 
described above 

It shall be possible to inscribe in the emergency 
window aperture a rectangle 35 cm high and  155  cm 
wide. The comers of the rectangle may be rounded to a 
radios of curvature not exceeding 25 cm. 

Area ( cm2) 

4 000 

40 

It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle measuring 
50 x 70 cm2 

7.6.3.2 

Vehicles  having  a  capacity  not  exceeding  22  passengers  may  meet  either  the 
requirements  shown  in  paragraph  7.6.3.1  or  those  contained  in  Annex  6, 
paragraph  1.1. 

7.6.4 

Technical requirements for all service doors 

7.6.4.1 

7.6.4.2 

7.6.4.3 

Every  service  door  shall  be  capable  of  being  easily  opened  from  inside  and 
from  outside  the  vehicle  when  the  vehicle  is  stationary  (but  not  necessarily 
when the vehicle is moving). However,  this requirement  shall not be  construed 
as precluding the possibility of locking the door from outside, provided that the 
door can always be opened from the inside. 

Every  control  or  device  for  opening  a  service  door from the  outside  shall  not 
be more than  150 cm from the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on 
a level  surface. 

Every  one-piece  manually-operated  service  door  which  is  hinged  or  pivoted 
shall  be  so  hinged  or  pivoted  that  if the  open  door  comes into  contact  with  a 
stationary object while the vehicle is moving forwards  it tends to close. 

7.6.4.4 

If a manually-operated  service door  is fitted with  a slam lock  it  shall be of the 
two-stage type. 

7.6.4.5 

7.6.4.6 

7.6.4.7 

7.6.4.8 

On the inside of a service door there  shall not  be any device intended to  cover 
the inside steps when the door is closed.  This does not exclude the presence in 
the  step  well,  when  the  door  is closed,  of the  door  operating  mechanism  and 
other  equipment  attached  to  the  inside  of  the  door  which  does  not  form  an 
extension  of  the  floor  on  which  passengers  may  stand.  This  mechanism  and 
equipment  should not be dangerous for the passengers. 

If the direct view is not  adequate,  optical  or  other  devices  shall be installed  to 
enable  the  driver  to  detect  from  his.seat  the  presence  of  a  passenger  in  the 
immediate interior  and exterior vicinity of every  side service door which  is not 
an automatically-operated  service door. In the case of a service door in the rear 
face  of the vehicle not  exceeding 22 passengers,  this requirement  is satisfied  if 
the  driver  is able to  detect  the  presence  of  a  person  1.3  m.  tall  standing  1 m 
behind the vehicle. 

Every door which opens towards the interior  of the vehicle and its mechanism 
shall  be  so  constructed  that  its  movement  is  not  likely  to  cause  injury  to 
passengers  in  normal  conditions  of  use.  Where  necessary,  appropriate 
protection  devices shall be fitted. 

If  a  service  door  is  located  adjacent  to  a  door  to  a  toilet  or  other  internal 
compartment  the service door  shall be proofed  against  unintentional  operation. 
However,  this  requirement  shall  not  apply  if the  door  is locked  automatically 
when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 

41 

7.6.4.9 

In  the  case  of  vehicles  having  a  capacity  not  exceeding  22  passengers,-the 
service  doors which are  in the  rear  face  of the  vehicle, the  leaves  shall  not  be 
capable  of  being  opened  more  than  115°  nor  less  than  85°  and,  when  open, 
shall  be  capable  of  being  held  automatically  in  that  position.  This  does  not 
preclude the ability to  override that  stop  and  open  the door  beyond  that  angle 
when  it  is  safe  to  do  so;  for  example,  to  enable  reversing  against  a  high 
platform  for loading or to open the doors through 270° to allow a clear loading 
area behind the vehicle. 

7.6.5 

Additional technical requirements for power-operated  service doors 

7.6.5.1 

In  the  event  of  an  emergency  every  power-operated  service  door  shall  be 
capable, when the vehicle is stationary  (but not  necessarily  when the vehicle is 
moving),  of being  opened from inside  and,  when  not  locked,  from  outside  by 
controls which, whether or not the power supply is operating: 

7.6.5.1.1  override all other door controls; 

7.6.5.1.2 

in the  case of interior  controls,  are placed  on,  or within  300  mm of,  the  door, 
at a height of not less  1600 mm above the first step; 

7.6.5.1.3 

can be easily seen and clearly identified,  when  approaching  the door  and when 
standing in front of the door; 

7.6.5.1.4 

can be operated by one person when standing immediately in front  of the door; 

7.6.5.1.5 

cause the door to open, or enable the door to be easily opened by hand; 

7.6.5.1.6  may  be  protected  by a  device which  can be  easily  removed  or  broken  to  gain 
access  to  the  emergency  control;  the  operation  of  the  emergency  control,  or 
the  removal  of  a  protective  cover  over  the  control,  shall  be  indicated  to  the 
driver both audibly and visually, and 

7.6.5.1.7 

in  the  case  of  a  driver-operated  door  which  does  not  comply  with  the 
requirements  of  7.6.5.6.2,  it  shall  be  such  that  after  the  controls  have  been 
operated  to  open the door  and returned to their  normal  position,  the  door will 
not close again until the driver subsequently operates a closing control. 

7.6.5.2 

A  device  may  be  provided  which  is  operated  by  the  driver  from  this  seat  to 
deactivate  the  outside  emergency  controls  in  order  to  lock  the  service  doors 
from outside.  In this case, the outside  emergency  controls  shall  be  reactivated 
automatically either by the starting of the engine or before the vehicle reaches a 
speed  of  20  km/h.  Subsequently,  deactivation  of  the  outside  emergency 
controls  shall  not  occur  automatically,  but  shall  require  a  further  action  by 
the driver. 

7.6.5.3 

Every  driver-operated  service door  shall be capable  of operation  by the  driver 
when  in  the  driving  seat  using  controls  which,  except  in  the  case  of  a  foot 
control,  are clearly and distinctively  marked. 

42 

7.6.5.4 

7.6.5.5 

7.6.5.6 

Every  power-operated  service  door  shall  activate  a  visual  tell-tale,-which 
shall  be  plainly  visible  to  the  driver  when  seated  in  the  normal  driving 
position  in  any  ambient  lighting  condition,  to  warn  that  a  door  is  not  fully 
closed.  This tell-tale  shall  signal  whenever  the  rigid  structure  of the  door  is 
between  the  fully  open  position  and  a  point  30  mm  from  the  fully  closed 
position.  One tell-tale may  serve  for  one  or  more  doors.  However,  no  such 
tell-tale  shall  be  fitted  in  respect  of  a  front  service  door  which  does  not 
comply with the requirements of 7.6.5.6.1.1  and  7.6.5.6.1.2. 

Where  controls  are  provided  for 
to  open  and  close  a 
power operated  service  door,* they  shall  be  such  that  the  driver  is  able  to 
reverse  the  movement  of  the  door  at  any  time  during  the  closing  or 
opening process. 

the  driver 

The  construction  and  control  system  of  every  power-operated  service  door 
shall be such that  a passenger is unlikely to be injured  by the door  or trapped 
in the door as it closes. 

7.6.5.6.1 

This  requirement  shall  be  considered  satisfied 
requirements are met: 

if  the  following 

two 

7.6.5.6.1.1 

the  first  requirement  is that  when  the  closing  of  the  door  at  any  measuring 
point  described  in  Annex  V  is  resisted  by  a  clamping  force  not  exceeding 
î 50 N, the door  shall reopen automatically  to  its fullest  extent  and,  except in 
the  case  of  an  automatically-operated  service  door,  remain  open  u  til  a 
closing  control  is  operated.  The  clamping  force  may  be  measured  by  any 
method to the satisfaction  of the competent  authority.  Guidelines are given in 
Annex  V  to  this  Directive.  The  peak  force  may  be  higher  than  150 N  for  a 
short  time  provided  that  it  does  not  exceed  300  N.  The  reopening  system 
may  be  checked  by  means  of  a  test  bar  having  a  section  of  height  60  mm, 
width  30  mm  with  corners  radiused  to  5  mm.  As  an  alternative,  this first 
requirement  shall  also  be  considered  to  be  met  if,  when  the  door  closes,  it 
can  be  readily  reopened  by hand,  whatever  is the  level  of the  energy  supply 
used for the operation of the door.  This condition  shall be consider to be met 
if the  clamping  force  measured  as  in  Annex  V does  not  exceed  80  N  when 
the door is between  3 and  12 cm ajar,  and  150 N when is between  12 and 40 
cm ajar,  in all conditions of energy supply; 

7.6.5.6.1.2 

the  second  requirement  is that  whenever  the doors  are closed  onto the wrist 
or fingers of a passenger: 

7.6.5.6.1.2.1  the door  reopens  automatically  to  its fullest  extent  and,  except  in the case of 
an  automatically-operated  service  door,  remains  open  until  a closing  control 
is operated,  or 

7.6.5.6.1.2.2  the  wrist  or  fingers  can be  readily  extracted  from  the  doors  without  risk  of 
injury  to  the  passenger.  This  requirement  may  be  checked  by  hand,  or  by 
means of the test  bar mentioned  in paragraph  7.6.5.6.1.1, tapered  at  one end 
over  a length  of 300 mm from a thickness of 30 mm to  a thickness of  5 mm. 
It  shall  not  be treated  with  polish  nor  lubricated.  If the  door  traps  the  bar it 
shall be capable of being easily removed,  or 

43 

7.6.5.6.1.2.3  the  door  is  maintained  at  a position  allowing  the  free  passageof  a  test-bar 
having  a  section  of  height  60  mm,  width  20  mm,  with  corners  radiused  to 
5 mm.  This  position  shall  not  be  more  than  30  mm  distant  from  the  fully 
closed position. 

7.6.5.6.2 

In the case of a front service door the requirement  of paragraph  7.6.5.6  shall 
be considered  satisfied  if the door: 

7.6.5.6.2.1 

fulfils  the requirements of paragraphs 7.6.5.6.1.1  and 7.6.5.6.1.2,  or 

7.6.5.6.2.2 

is fitted with  soft  edges; these shall not,  however be so  soft  that  if the  doors 
are closed  on the test  bar mentioned  in 7.6.5.6.1.1  the rigid structure  of the 
doors will reach the fully closed position. 

7.6.5.7 

7.6.5.8 

7.6.5.9 

Where  a  power-operated  service  door  is  held  closed  only  by  continued 
application  of  the  power  supply  there  shall  be  provided  a  visual  warning 
device to inform the driver of any failure in the power supply to the doors. 

A starting prevention device, if fitted, shall be effective  only at  speeds of less 
than 5 km/h and shall be incapable of operation above that  speed. 

An  audible  warning  to  the  driver  shall  be  activated  if  the  vehicle  is  driven 
away  from  rest  when  any  power-operated  service  door  is  not  fully  closed. 
This  audible  warning  shall  be  activated  at  a  speed  exceeding  5  km/h  for 
doors complying with the requirements of 7.6.5.6.1.2.3. 

7.6.6 

Additional technical requirements for  automatically operated  service doors 

7.6.6.1 

Activation of the opening controls. 

7.6.6.1.1 

Except  as  provided  in  paragraph  7.6.5.1,  the  opening  controls  of  every 
automatically-operated  service  door  shall  be  capable  of  being  activated  and 
deactivated  only by the driver from  his seat. 

7.6.6.1.2 

Activation  and  deactivation  may  be  either  direct,  by  means  of  a  switch,  or 
indirect, for  example by opening and closing the front service door. 

7.6.6.1.3 

7.6.6.1.4 

Activation of the opening controls by the driver  shall be indicated  inside and, 
where a door is to be opened from  outside, also on the outside of the vehicle; 
the  indicator  (e.g.  illuminated  push  button,  illuminated  sign)  shall  be  on  or 
adjacent  to the door to which it relates. 

In  the  case  of  direct  actuation  by means  of  a  switch,  the  functional  state  of 
the  system  shall  be  clearly  indicated  to  the  driver,  by,  for  example,  the 
position  of  the  switch  or  an  indicator  lamp  or  an  illuminated  switch.  The 
switch  shall be specially marked  and arranged  in such a way that  it cannot  be 
confused  with other controls. 

7.6.6.2 

Opening of automatically-operated  service doors. 

44 

7.6.6.2.1  After  activation  of the  opening  controls  by the  driver,  it  shall  be  possible-for 

passengers to open the door as follows: 

7.6.6.2.1.1  from  inside,  for  example  by  pressing  a  push-button  or  passing  a  light 

barrier, and 

7.6.6.2.1.2  from  outside, except in the case of a door  intended  only as an exit and  marked 
as  such,  by,  for  example,  pressing  an  illuminated  push  button,  a  push 
button beneath  an  illuminated  sign,  or  a  similar  device  marked  with  a 
suitable instruction. 

7.6.6.2.2  The  pressing  of the push  buttons  mentioned  in paragraph  7.6.6.2.1.1, and  the 
use  of 
in 
paragraph  7.7.9.1,  may  send  a  signal  which  is  stored  and  which,  after 
the activation  of  the  opening  controls  by  the  driver,  effects  the  opening  of 
the door. 

the  means  of  communication  with 

the  driver  mentioned 

7.6.6.3 

Closing of automatically-operated  service doors. 

7.6.6.3.1  When  an  automatically-operated  service  door  has  opened  it  shall  close  again 
automatically  after  a time interval  has  elapsed.  If a passenger  enters  or  leaves 
the vehicle during this time interval,  a safety  device (e.g. a foot  board  contact, 
light  barrier,  one-way  gate)  shall  ensure  that  the  time until  the  door  closes  is 
sufficiently  extended. 

7.6.6.3.2 

If  the  passenger  enters  or  leaves  the  vehicle  while  the  door  is  closing,  the 
closing  process  shall be interrupted  automatically  and the  door  shall  return  to 
the  open  position.  The  reversal  may  be  actuated  by  one  of  the  safety  devices 
referred  to in paragraph  7.6.6.3.1 or by any other device. 

7.6.6.3.3  A  door  that  has  closed  automatically  in  accordance  with  paragraph  7.6.6.3.1 
shall  be  capable  of  being  opened  again  by  a  passenger  in  accordance 
with paragraph  7.6.6.2;  this  shall  not  apply  if  the  driver  has  deactivated  the 
opening controls. 

7.6.6.3.4  After  deactivation  of  the  opening  controls  of  the  automatically-operated 
service  doors  by  the  driver,  open  doors  shall  close  in  accordance  with 
paragraphs  7.6.6.3.1 to  7.6.6.3.2. 

7.6.6.4 

Inhibition  of  the  automatic  closing  process  on  doors  marked  for  special 
service, e.g. for passengers with prams, disabled persons, etc. 

7.6.6.4.1  The driver shall be able to inhibit the automatic closing process by actuation  of 
a special control. A passenger shall also be able to inhibit the automatic closing 
process directly by pressing a special push button. 

7.6.6.4.2  The inhibition of the automatic closing  process  shall be indicated  to the  driver, 

e.g. by a visual tell-tale. 

7.6.6.4.3  Re-establishment  of the automatic  closing  process  shall in any case  be  capable 

of being done by the driver. 

45 

7.6.6.4.4  Paragraph  7.6.6.3  shall apply to the subsequent closing of the door. 

7.6.7 

Technical requirements for emergency doors 

7.6.7.1 

7.6.7.2 

Emergency doors shall be capable of being easily opened from inside and from 
outside when the vehicle is stationary.  However,  this requirement  shall  not  be 
construed  as  precluding  the  possibility  of  locking  the  door  from  the  outside, 
provided  that the door can always be opened from the inside by the use of the 
normal opening mechanism. 

Emergency  doors,  during the use as such,  shall not  be  of  the  power-operated 
type unless, once the control prescribed in paragraph  7.6.5.1  has been  actuated 
and  returned  to  its  normal  position,  the  doors  do  not  close  again  until  the 
driver  subsequently  operates  a  closing  control.  They  shall  also  not  be  of 
the sliding type unless that  in case of vehicles having a capacity  not  exceeding 
22  passengers,  a  sliding  door,  which  has  been  shown  to  be  capable  of  being 
opened  without  the  use  of  tools  after  a  frontal  barrier  collision  test 
in accordance  with  Directive  74/297/EEC,  can  be  accepted  as  an 
emergency  door. 

7.6.7.3 

The outside handles of emergency  doors  shall be not  more than  150 cm above 
the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on level ground. 

7.6.7.4 

7.6.7.5 

7.6.7.6 

Hinged  emergency doors fitted to the side of the vehicle shall be hinged  at their 
forward  edge  and  shall  open  outwards.  Check  straps,  chains  or  other 
restraining  devices  shall  be  permitted,  provided  that  they  do  not  prevent  the 
door  from  opening  to,  and  remaining  open  at,  an  angle  of  at  least  100°.  If  a 
means is provided  sufficient  to give free passage to the emergency  door  access 
gauge, the  100° minimum angle shall not apply. 

Emergency  doors  shall  be  proofed  against  unintentional  operation.  However, 
this requirement  shall not  apply if the emergency  door  is locked  automatically 
when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 

All  emergency  doors  shall  be  provided  with  an  audible  device  to  warn  the 
driver when they are not  securely closed.  The warning device shall be operated 
by movement of the door catch and not by movement of the door itself 

7.6.8 

Technical requirements for emergency windows 

7.6.8.1 

Every  hinged  or  ejectable  emergency  window  shall  open  outwards.  Ejectable 
types  shall not  become  totally  detached  from  the  vehicle  when  operated.  The 
operation  of  ejectable  windows  shall  be  such  that  inadvertent  ejection  is 
effectively  prevented. 

7.6.8.2 

Every emergency window shall : 

7.6.8.2.1 

either  be capable  of being easily and  instantaneously  operated  from  inside and 
from outside the vehicle by means of a device recognised  as  satisfactory, 

46 

7.6.8.2.2 

or be made of readily-breakable  safety glass. This latter provision precludes the 
possibility  of  using  panes  of  laminated  glass  or  of  plastic  material.  A  device 
shall  be  provided  adjacent  to  each  emergency  window,  readily  available  to 
persons inside the vehicle, to ensure that each window can be broken. 

7.6.8.3 

7.6.8.4 

7.6.8.5 

Every  emergency  window  which  can  be  locked  from  the  outside  shall  be 
so constructed  as  to  be  capable  of  being  opened  at  all  times  from  inside 
the vehicle. 

If the  emergency  window  is of  a type  horizontally  hinged  at  the  top  edge,  an 
appropriate  device  shall  be  provided  to  hold  it  fully  open.  Every  hinged 
emergency  window  shall  operate  so  as  not  to  obstruct  clear  passage  from 
inside or outside the vehicle. 

The height  of the lower  edge of an emergency window fitted  in the side of the 
vehicle from the general  level of the floor  immediately below it  (excluding any 
local  variations  such  as the  presence  of a wheel  or transmission  housing)  shall 
be  not  more  than  120  cm  nor  less  than  65  cm  in  the  case  of  a  hinged 
emergency window, or 50 cm in the case of a window made of breakable glass. 

However,  in the  case  of  a  hinged  emergency  window  the  height  of the  lower 
edge  may  be  reduced  to  a  minimum  of  50  cm  provided  that  the  window 
aperture  is  equipped  with  a  guard  up  to  a  height  of  65  cm  to  prevent  the 
possibility  of passengers falling  out  of the vehicle. Where the window  aperture 
is  equipped  with  a  guard,  the  size  of  the  window  aperture  above  the  guard 
shall not be less than the minimum size prescribed for an emergency window. 

7.6.8.6 

Every  hinged  emergency  window which  is not  clearly  visible from the  driver's 
seat  shall be fitted with an audible warning device to warn the driver when it is 
not  completely  closed.  The  window  lock,  and  not  the  movement  of  the 
window itself, shall actuate this device. 

7.6.9 

Technical requirements for escape hatches 

7.6.9.1 

7.6.9.2 

Every  escape  hatch  shall  operate  so  as  not  to  obstruct  clear  passage  from 
inside or outside the vehicle. Escape hatches shall be either ejectable,  hinged  or 
made of readily-breakable  safety glass. Ejectable types shall not become totally 
detached  from  the  vehicle  when  operated.  The  operation  of  ejectable  escape 
hatches shall be such that  inadvertent  ejection  is effectively  prevented. 

Escape  hatches  shall  be  capable  of  being  easily  opened  or  removed  from  the 
inside  and  from  outside.  However,  this  requirement  shall  not  be  construed  as 
precluding  the  possibility  of  locking  the  escape  hatch  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  the  vehicle  when  unattended,  provided  that  the  escape  hatch  can 
always be opened  or removed  from  the inside by the use of the normal  opening 
or  removal  mechanism.  In the  case  of  a readily-breakable  hatch  a  device  shall 
be  provided  adjacent  to  the  hatch,  readily  available  to  persons  inside  the 
vehicle, to ensure that the hatch can be broken. 

47 

7.6.10 

Technical requirements for retractable steps 

see parts B & G. 

7.6.11  Markings 

7.6.11.1  Each emergency exit shall be marked, inside and outside the vehicle, either by 
an inscription  reading  "Emergency  exit"  or  by  one  of the  symbols  shown in 
Annex II, paragraph 3.4 of Council Directive 92/58/EEC. 

7.6.11.2  The emergency  controls of service doors and of all emergency  exits  shall be 
marked as such inside and outside the vehicle either by a representative symbol 
or by a clearly-worded inscription. 

7.6.11.3  Clear  instructions  concerning the method  of operation  shall be  placed  on  or 

close to every emergency control of an exit. 

7.6.11.4  The  language  in  which  any  textual  markings  intended  to  comply  with 
paragraphs 7.6.11.1 to 7.6.11.3 above are to be inscribed  shall be determined 
by the approving authority bearing in mind the country/countries in which the 
applicant  intends  to  market  the  vehicle  in  liaison  if  necessary  with  the 
competent  authorities  of the country/countries  concerned.  If the  authority of 
the  country/countries  where the vehicle is to  be registered  has the language 
changed, this change shall imply no new type-approval process. 

7.7 

Interior arrangements 

7.7.1 

Access to service doors (see Annex III, figure 1) 

7.7.1.1 

The free space extending inwards into the vehicle from the side wall in which 
the  door  is  mounted  shall  permit  the  free  passage  of  a  vertical  rectangular 
panel  2 cm thick, 40 cm wide and 70 cm in height  above the floor,  having a 
second  panel  55 cm wide superimposed  symmetrically  above it; the height of 
the second panel being as prescribed for the relevant class of vehicle. 

7.7.1.1.1  Dimension of the upper panel and total height of the dual panel. 

The height of the upper panel and the total height of the dual panel shall be: 

Number of passengers 
Classes 
Width of upper panel cm 
Height of upper panel cm 
Total  Height  of  dual  panel 
cm 

<22* 
A 
55 
95 
165 

<22* 
B 
55 
70 
140 

>22 
II 
55 
95 
165 

I 
55 
110 
180 

III 
55 
85 
155 

The  width  of  the  upper  panel  may be  reduced  at  the  top  to  40  cm when a 
chamfer  not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included (Annex III, 
figure 1). 

48 

(*)  For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers, a relative displacement 

between the two panels shall be allowed provided that it is in the same direction. 

7.7.1.1.2  Alternative panel for access to service doors 

As  a  alternative  to  the  dual  panel  (paragraph  7.7.1.1  and  7.7.1.1.1),  a 
trapezoidal  section, having a height of 50 cm, forming  the transition between 
the width of the upper and the lower panel, may be used. In this case, the total 
height of the rectangular section and this trapezoidal section of the upper panel 
shall  be  110  cm  for  all  classes  of  vehicles  with  a  capacity  exceeding  22 
passengers, and 95 cm for all classes of vehicles with a capacity not exceeding 
22 passengers. 

The width  of the upper  panel  may be reduced  at  the top  to  40  cm when  a 
chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included  (Annex III, 
figure  1). 

7.7.1.2 

The  dual  panel  shall  be  maintained  parallel  with  the  door  aperture  as  it  is 
moved from the  starting  position,  where the plane of the face  nearest  to  the 
interior of the vehicle is tangential to the outermost edge of the aperture, to the 
position  where  is touches the first step,  after  which  it  shall  be kept  at right 
angles to the probable direction of motion of a person using the entrance. 

7.7.1.3  When the centre line of this dual panel has traversed a distance of 30 cm  from 
its starting position and the dual panel is touching the step surface  it  shall be 
retained in that position. 

7.7.1.4 

7.7.1.5 

The cylindrical figure (see Annex III, figure 6) used  for  testing  the gangway 
clearance  shall  then  be  moved  starting  from  the  gangway,  in  the  probable 
direction  of motion  of  a person  leaving  the vehicle, until  its  centre  line has 
reached the vertical plane which contains the top edge of the uppermost step, 
or  until  a  plane  tangential  to  the  upper  cylinder  touches  the  dual  panel, 
whichever occurs first, and retained in that position (see Annex III, figure 2). 

Between the cylindrical figure, at the position set out in paragraph  7.7.1.4 and 
the dual panel, at the position set out in paragraph 7.7.1.3, there shall be a  free 
space whose upper and lower limits are shown in Annex III, figure 2. This  free 
space  shall  permit  the  free  passage  of  a  vertical  panel  whose  form  and 
dimensions  are the  same  as the  cylindrical  form  (paragraph  7.7.5.1),  central 
section and a thickness of no more than 2 cm. This panel shall be moved,  from 
the cylindrical form tangential position, until its external side is in contact with 
the dual panel interior  side, touching the plane or planes defined  by the step 
upper edges, in the probable direction of motion of a person using the entrance 
(see Annex III, figure 2). 

7.7.1.6 

The free passage clearance for this figure shall not include any space extending 
to 30 cm in front of any uncompressed  set cushion and to the height  of the  top 
of the seat cushion. 

49 

7.7.1.7 

In the case of a folding  seat, this space shall be determined  with the seat in the 
position of use. 

7.7.1.8 

However,  a folding  seat for use by the crew may obstruct the access passage to 
a service door when in the position of use provided that: 

7.7.1.8.1 

it  is  clearly  indicated,  both  in the  vehicle  itself  and  on  the  EC  type-approval 
certificate (see Annex II, Appendix 2), that the seat is for the use of crew only, 

7.7.1.8.2  when  the  seat  is  not  in  use  it  folds  automatically  as  necessary  to  enable  the 
requirements  of paragraphs  7.7.1.1  or  7.7.1.2  and  7.7.1.3,  7.7.1.4  and  7.7.1.5 
to be met; 

7.7.1.8.3 

the  door  is  not  considered  to  be  a  mandatory  exit  for  the  purpose  of 
paragraph 7.6.1.4, and 

7.7.1.8.4  when the seat is in the position of use, and when it is in the folded  position,  no 
part  of it shall be forward  of a vertical plane passing through the centre of the 
seating  surface  of  the  driver's  seat  in  its  rearmost  position  and  through  the 
centre  of  the  exterior  rear-view  mirror  mounted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
vehicle. 

7.7.1.9 

In  the  case  of  vehicles  having  a  capacity  not  exceeding  22  passengers  a 
doorway  and  the  route  by  which  passengers  gain  access  to  it  shall  be 
considered unobstructed  if they have: 

7.7.1.9.1  measured  parallel with the longitudinal  axis of the vehicle, there  is a  clearance 
of not  less than 22 cm at any point and  55 cm at any point  being more than  50 
cm above the floor  or steps (Annex III, figure  3) 

7.7.1.9.2  measured  perpendicular  to  the  longitudinal  axis  of  the  vehicle,  there  is  a 
clearance  of  not  less  than  30  cm  at  any  point  and  55  cm  at  any  point  being 
more than  120 cm above the floor  or steps or less than 30 cm below the ceiling 
(Annex III, figure 4). 

7.7.1.10 

The service door and emergency door dimensions in paragraph  7.6.3.1.  and the 
requirements  of  paragraphs  7.7.1.1.  to  7.7.1.7.,  7.7.2.1.  to  7.7.2.3.,  7.7.5.1. 
and  7.7.8.5.  shall not  apply to  a vehicle of Class B with  a maximum  mass not 
exceeding  3,5  tonnes  and  up  to  12  passengers  seats  in  which  each  seat  has 
unobstructed  access to at least two doors. 

7.7.1.11 

The  maximum  slope  of  the  floor  in  the  access  passage  shall  not  exceed  3% 
when measured with the unladen vehicle standing on a horizontal  surface. 

7.7.2 

Access to emergency doors (see Annex III, figure  5) 

The following  requirements shall not apply to driver's doors used  as emergency 
exits in vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers. 

50 

7.7.2.1 

The  free  space  between  the  gangway  and  the  emergency  door  aperture  shall 
permit the free passage of a vertical cylinder 30 cm in diameter  and  70 cm high 
from  the floor  and  supporting a second vertical  cylinder 55 cm in diameter,  the 
aggregate height of the assembly being  140 cm. 

The width  of the upper  cylinder  may be  reduced  at  the  top  to  40  cm when  a 
chamfer  not exceeding 30° from the horizontal is included . 

7.7.2.2 

The  base  of  the  first  cylinder  shall  be  within  the  projection  of  the 
second cylinder. 

7.7.2.3  Where folding  seats are installed  alongside this passage,  the free space for  the 
cylinder  shall  be  required  to  be  determined  when  the  seat  is  in  the  position 
for use. 

7.7.2.4 

As  an  alternative  to  the  dual  cylinder,  the  gauging  device  described  in 
paragraph  7.7.5.1  may be used (see Annex III, figure 6). 

7.7.3 

Access to emergency windows 

7.7.3.1 

It  shall be  possible to  move  a test  gauge  from  the  gangway  to  the  exterior  of 
the vehicle through every emergency window. 

7.7.3.2 

7.7.3.3 

The  direction  of  motion  of the  test  gauge  shall  be  in the  direction  in which  a 
passenger  evacuating  the  vehicle would  be expected  to  move.  The  test  gauge 
shall be kept perpendicular to that direction of motion. 

The test gauge  shall be in the form  of a thin plate having  a size of 60 x 40 cm 
with  corners  radiused  by  20  cm.  However,  in  the  case  of  an  emergency 
window in the rear face  of the vehicle, the test  gauge  may alternatively  have a 
size of  140 cm x 35 cm with corners radiused by  17.5 cm. 

7.7.4 

Access to escape hatches 

At  least  one  escape  hatch  shall  be  situated  above  at  least  a  part  of  a  seat  or 
some other equivalent  support affording  access to them. 

7.7.5 

Gangways (see Annex III, figure 6) 

7.7.5.1 

The gangway of a vehicle shall be so designed  and constructed  as to  permit  the 
free  passage  of  a  gauging  device  consisting  of  two  co-axial  cylinders  with  an 
inverted  truncated  cone  interposed  between  them  the  gauging,  device  having 
the following  dimensions (in cm): 

Classes 
Diameter  of  lower  cylinder 
Height  of  lower  cylinder 
Diameter  of upper  cylinder 
Height  of upper  cylinder 
Overall  height 

A 
35 
90 
55 
50* 
190* 

B 
30 
90 
45 
30 
150 

I 
45 
90 
55 
50* 
190* 

II 
35 
90 
55 
50* 
190* 

III 
30 
90 
45 
50* 
190* 

51 

The diameter of the upper cylinder may be reduced  at the top to 40 cm-when a 
chamfer  not  exceeding  30  degrees from the  horizontal  is included  (Annex  III, 
figure 1). 

The  gauging  device  may  come  into  contact  with  strap  hangers,  if  fitted,  and 
move them away. 

(*)  The height  of the upper  cylinder  and herewith  the overall  height  may be 

reduced by 10 cm in any part of the gangway to the rear  of: 

a transverse vertical plane situated  1.5  m forward  of the centre line 
of the rear axle, and 

a transverse vertical  plane  situated  at  the  rear  edge  of  the  service 
door  or  of  the  rearmost  service  door  if there  are  more  than  one 
service door. 

7.7.5.1.1 

If there is no exit forward  of a seat or row of seats: 

7.7.5.1.1.1  In  the  case  of  forward-facing  seats,  the  front  edge  of  the  cylindrical  gauge 
defined  in  7.7.5.1  shall  reach  at  least  until  the  transverse  vertical  plane 
tangential  to  the  foremost  point  of  the  foremost  front  row  seat  back  and  be 
retained in that position. From this plane, it must be possible to move the panel 
shown  in  Annex  III,  Figure  7,  in  such  a  way  that  starting  from  the  contact 
position  with  the  cylindrical  gauge,  the  panel  side  facing  the  exterior  of  the 
vehicle is displaced forwards  a distance of 66 cm. 

7.7.5.1.1.2  In the  case  of sideways facing  seats, the  forward  part  of the  cylindrical  gauge 
must  reach  at  least  the transversal  plane  which  coincides  with  a vertical  plane 
passing through the centre of the forward  seat ( Annex III, figure 7). 

7.7.5.1.1.3  In the  case of rearward  facing  seats, the  forward  part  of the  cylindrical  gauge 
shall  reach  at  least  the  transverse  vertical  plane  tangential  to  the  face  of  the 
seat cushions of the forward  row or seat (Annex III, figure 7). 

7.7.5.2 

On vehicles of Class I, the diameter of the lower  cylinder may be reduced from 
45 cm to 40 cm in any part of the gangway to the rear  of: 

7.7.5.2.1 

a transverse  vertical  plane  situated  1.5m  forward  of the  centre  line  of the  rear 
axle, and 

7.7.5.2.2 

a  transverse  vertical  plane  situated  at  the  rear  edge  of  the  rearmost 
service door. 

7.7.5.3 

On vehicles of Class III the seats on one  side or  on both  sides of the  gangway 
may  be  movable  laterally,  it  being  then  possible  to  reduce  the  width  of  the 
gangway  to  a figure  corresponding  to  a lower  cylinder  diameter  of  22  cm,  on 
condition  that  the  operation  of  a  control  on  each  seat,  readily  accessible  to  a 
person  standing  in the  gangway,  shall  be  sufficient  to  cause  the  seat  to  return 
automatically,  even  when  it  is  loaded,  to  the  position  corresponding  to  a 
minimum width of 30 cm. 

52 

7.7.5.4 

On articulated buses the gauging device defined  in paragraph  7.7.5.1 shall be 
able to pass unobstructed through the articulated  section. No part  of the  soft 
covering  of  that  section,  including  parts  of  bellows,  shall  project  into 
the gangway. 

7.7.5.5 

Steps may be fitted in the gangways. The width of such steps shall not be less 
than the width of the gangway sa. the top of the steps. 

7.7.5.6 

Folding seats allowing passengers to sit in the gangway shall not be permitted. 

7.7.5.7 

7.7.5.8 

Laterally-sliding seats which in one position encroach on the gangway shall not 
be  permitted  except  on  vehicles  of  Class  III  and  subject  to  the  conditions 
prescribed in paragraph 7.7.5.3. 

In the case of vehicles to which paragraph 7.7.1.9 applies, a gangway shall not 
be  necessary  provided  the  access  dimensions  specified  in  that  paragraph 
are respected. 

7.7.5.9 

Gangways and access passages shall be covered with an anti-slip material. 

7.7.6 

Slope of gangway 

The slope of the gangway, measured with the vehicle unladen on a horizontal 
surface, and with the kneeling system no connected shall not exceed: 

7.7.6.1 

8% in the case of a vehicle of Class I, II and A, 

7.7.6.2. 

12.5% in the case of a vehicle of Class III and B, and 

7.7.6.3 

3% in the case of the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry 
of vehicle. 

7.7.7 

Steps (see Annex III, figure 8) 

7.7.7.1 

The  maximum  and  minimum  height,  and  the  minimum  depth,  of  steps  for 
passengers  at  service  and  emergency  doors  and  within  the  vehicle  shall  be 
as follows: 

Classes 

First  step 
from  ground 

Other  steps 

Max. height  (cm) 
Min. depth  (cm) 
Max. height  (cm) 
Min. height  (cm) 
Min. depth  (cm) 

I, II & A 
32(1) 

III&B 

3 6(D(2) 

30  <'> 

3 5( 4) 

25(3) 

12 
20 

(*) 

(1) 

(2) 

(?) 

(4) 

23 cm for vehicles having a capacity not exceeding  22 passengers. 
150 cm in the case of an emergency door. 
43 cm in the case of a vehicle with solely mechanical  suspension. 
30 cm in the case of steps at a door behind the rearmost axle. 
25 cm in gangways for vehicles having a capacity  not exceeding  22 passengers. 

7.7.7.1.1  For  the purposes  of this Annex,  any  step from a sunken  gangway to  a  seating 
area  shall not be considered  to be a step. The maximum height  of such  step  to 
a seating area from the gangway shall be 35 cm. 

7.7.7.2 

7.7.7.3 

For the purpose of this paragraph, the height of a step shall be measured  at the 
centre  of  its  width.  Furthermore,  manufacturers  should  specifically  take 
account  of access by persons with reduced mobility, particularly in relation to a 
step height to be kept to a minimum. 

The height of the first step in relation to the ground  shall be measured with the 
vehicle  on  level  ground,  unladen  as  defined  in  paragraph  7.1.3  and  the  tyre 
equipment  and  pressure  being  as  specified  by  the  manufacturer  for  the 
maximum technical mass (MT) declared in accordance with paragraph 2.18. 

7.7.7.4  Where there is more than  one  step,  each  step may  extend  into the  area  of the 
vertical projection  of the next  step by up to  10 cm and the projection  over the 
tread below shall leave a free surface of at least 20 cm (see Annex III, figure 8) 
with  all  step  nosings  being  designed  such  as  to  minimise  the  risk  of  tripping 
and being in a contrasting colour or colours. 

7.7.7.5 

The width  and  shape of every step  shall be  such that  a rectangle  s indicated  in 
the table below  can be  placed  on that  step with not  more than  5% of the  area 
of the  appropriate  rectangle  overhanging  the  step.  At  a  double  doorway  each 
half of the doorway shall fulfil  this requirement. 

Number  of passengers 
First  step 

>22 
40 x 30 cm 

<22 
40 x 20 cm 

Area 

Other steps 

40 x 20 cm 

40 x 20 cm 

7.7.7.6 

All steps shall have an non-slip coating. 

7.7.8 

Passenger  seats and space for  seated  passengers 

7.7.8.1  Minimum seat width (see Annex III, figure 9). 

7.7.8.1.bis  By derogation  to  the  provisions  of paragraph  7.7.8.1, Member  States may,  for 
the  types  of  vehicles  mentioned  in  Article  3,  permit  the  sale  or  entry  into 
service of new vehicles complying with the following  provision: 

Minimum seat width (see Annex III, figure 9 bis) 

7.7.8.1.1  The  minimum  width  of  a seat  cushion,  measured  from  a vertical  plane  passing 

through the centre of that  seating position,  shall be: 

54 

7.7.8.1.1 bis For  the  types  of  vehicles  mentioned  in  Article  3  introducing  the 
derogation,  the  minimum  dimensions  for  each  seating  place,  measured 
from  a  vertical  plane  passing  through  the  centre  of  that  seating  place, 
shall be as follows (see Annex III, figure 9 bis): 

Individual seats 

Continuous seats 

for  two  or  more 
passengers 

Width  of the  seat  cushion,  on  each 

20 

side 

the  available  space, 
Width  of 
measured in a horizontal plane along 
the seat back at heights  between 27 
and 65 cm above the uncompressed 
seat cushion. 
Width  of  the  seat  cushion,  per 
passenger on each side. 

Width  of 
the  available  space, 
measured in a horizontal plane along 
the seat back at heights  between 27 
and 65 cm above the uncompressed 

I seat cushion. 

j 

20 

20 

20 

In  case  of  compliance  with  paragraph  7.7.8.1.1.bis,  paragraphs  7.7.8.1.2.1 
and 7.7.8.1.2.2 are not applicable. 

7.7.8.1.1.1  20 cm in vehicles of Class I, II, A and B. 

7.7.8.1.1.2  22.5 cm in vehicles of Class III. 

7.7.8.1.2  The minimum width  of the available  space for  each  seating  position,  measured 
from  a  vertical  plane  passing  through  the  centre  of  that  seating  position  at 
heights between 27 and 65 cm above the uncompressed  seat cushion, shall be: 

7.7.8.1.2.1  25 cm in the case of individual seats, and 

7.7.8.1.2.2  22.5 cm in the case of continuous seats for two or more passengers. 

7.7.8.1.2.3  For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers, in the case of seats 
adjacent  to  the wall of the vehicle,  the  available  space  does not  include,  in its 
upper  part,  a  triangular  area  2  cm  wide  by  10  cm  high  (see  Annex  III, 
figure  10).  In  addition,  the  space  needed  for  safety  belts  and  their  anchorages 
and for the sun visor should be considered as exempted. 

7.7.8.2 

Minimum depth of seat cushion ( see Annex III, figure 11) 

The minimum depth of a seat cushion shall be: 

7.7.8.2.1  35 cm in vehicles of Class I, A and B, and 

7.7.8.2.2 

40 cm in vehicles of Class II and Class III. 

55 

7.7.8.3 

Height of seat cushion (see Annex III, figure 11 ) 

The height of the uncompressed  seat cushion relative to the floor shall be such 
that the distance from the floor to a horizontal plane tangent to the front upper 
surface  of  the  seat  cushion  is  between  40  and  50  cm:  this  height  may 
however be  reduced  to  not  less  than  35 cm  at  the  wheel  arches  and  at  the 
engine compartment. 

7.7.8.4. 

Seat spacing (see Annex III, figure 12) 

7.7.8.4.1 

In the case of seats facing in the same direction, the distance between the front 
of a seat squab and the back of the squab of the  seat  preceding it,  shall, when 
measured  horizontally  and  at  all heights  above  the  floor  between  the  level  of 
the top  surface  of the  seat  cushion  and  a point  62  cm above the  floor,  not  be 
less than: 

Class I, A &B  1 

Class II 
Class III 

1 

65 cm 
68 cm 
75 cm 

7.7.8.4.1 bis For  the  types  of  vehicles  mentioned  in  Article  3  introducing  the  derogation, 
Member  States  may  permit  the  sale  or  entry  into  service  of  new  vehicles 
complying with the following  provision: 

In the case of seats facing in the same direction, the distance between the  front 
of a seat  squab  and the back  of the squab of the  seat  preceding  it,  shall, when 
measured  horizontally  and  at  all heights  above  the  floor  between  the  level  of 
the top  surface  of the  seat  cushion  and  a point  62  cm above the  floor,  not  be 
less than 65 cm. (see Annex III, fig 12 bis). 

For vehicles with up to  16 passengers, the distance between  seats may be 
reduced to 60 cm (see Annex III, figure 12 ter). 

7.7.8.4.2  All  measurements  shall  be  taken,  with 

the  seat  cushion  and  squab 
uncompressed,  in  a  vertical  plane  passing  through  the  centreline  of  the 
individual seating place. 

7.7.8.4.3  W^here transverse  seats  face  one  another  the  minimum  distance  between  the 
front  faces  of the  seat  squabs  of facing  seats,  as  measured  across  the  highest 
points of the seat cushions, shall be not less than  130 cm. 

7.7.8.4.4  Reclining  passenger  seats  and  adjustable  driving  seats  shall be  measured  with 
their  seat  backs  and  other  seat  adjustments  in  the  normal  position  of  use 
specified  by the  manufacturer. 

7.7.8.4.5  Any folding table fitted  to a seat back shall be measured in the folded  position. 

7.7.8.4.6  Seats  which  are  mounted  on  a  track  or  other  system  which  permits  the 
operator or the user to easily vary the interior configuration  of the vehicle shall 
be measured  in the normal position of use  specified  by the manufacturer  in the 
application for the approval. 

56 

7.7.8.5. 

Space for  seated passengers (see Annex III, figure 13). 

7.7.8.5.1  A  minimum  clear  space  in front of  each  passenger  seat  shall  be  provided  as 
shown in Annex  III, figure 13.  The  seat-back  of  another preceding  seat  or a 
partition whose contour corresponds approximately to that of the inclined seat 
back may intrude into this space  as provided by paragraph  7.7.8.4.  The local 
presence  in  this  space  of  seat  legs  shall  also  be  permitted  provided  that 
adequate space remains for the passenger's feet.  In the case of seats alongside 
the  driver's  seat  in  vehicles  with  up  to  22  passengers,  intrusion  of  the  dash 
board,  instrument  panel,  windscreen,  sun  visor,  seat  belts  and  seat  belt 
anchorages shall be allowed. 

7.7.8.5.2  However,  at  least  2  in  Class  I  and  1 in  Class  A  forward  or  rearward  facing 
seats  specifically  intended  and  marked  for  passengers  with  reduced  mobility 
other than wheelchair users  shall be provided  in that part of the bus which is 
most  suitable for boarding.  These seats shall be designed for disabled so as to 
provide  enough  space,  shall  have  suitably  designed  and  placed  handholds  to 
facilitate  entry and exit  of the  seat  and provide  communication  in  accordance 
with paragraph 7.7.9 from the seated position. 

7.7.8.5.2.1  These seats shall provide at least  110% of the space specified  in item  7.7.8.5.1 

and at least  110% of the width specified  in item 7.7.8.1.1. 

7.7.8.6 

Free space above seating positions 

7.7.8.6.1  Over  each  seating  position  and,  except  in the  case  of the  front  row  seats  in  a 
vehicle up to  22 passengers,  its associated  foot  space, there  shall be  measured 
a free space with  a height  of not  less than  900  mm measured  from  the  highest 
point  of  the  uncompressed  seat  cushion  and  at  least  1 350  mm  from  the 
mean level  of  the  floor  in  the  foot  space.  In  the  case  of  vehicles  to  which 
paragraph  7.7.1.9.  applies,  this  dimension  may  be  reduced  to  1200  mm 
measured from the  floor. 

7.7.8.6.2  This free  space shall extended  over the zone  defined: 

7.7.8.6.2.1  by longitudinal  vertical  planes 200  mm either  side of the median  vertical  plane 

of the seating position,  and; 

7.7.8.6.2.2  by a transverse vertical plane through the rearmost upper point of the seat back 
and by a transverse vertical  plane 300 mm in front of the foremost  point  of the 
uncompressed  seat  cushion,  measured  in each case at the median vertical  plane 
of the seating position. 

7.7.8.6.3  From the edges of the free  space defined  by paragraphs  7.7.8.6.1  and  7.7.8.6.2, 

the following  zones may be excluded: 

7.7.8.6.3.1  in  the  case  of  the  up  part  of  outboard  seats,  a  zone  with  rectangular  cross-

section  150 mm in height and  100 mm in width (see Annex III, figure 14); 

57 

7.7.8.6.3.2  in  the  case  of  the  up  part  of  outboard  seats,  a  zone  with  a  triangular-cross-
section whose apex is situated 650 mm from the  floor  and  whose  base  is  100 
mm in width (see Annex III, figure  15); 

7.7.8.6.3.3  in  the  case  of  the  footwell  of  outboard,  a zone  of  a  cross-sectional  area  not 
exceeding,  200  cm2  and  having  a  maximum  width  not  exceeding  100  cm 
(see Annex III, figure 16); 

7.7.8.6.3.4  in  the  case  of  a vehicle  for  up  to  22  passengers,  in  the  case  of  the  seating 
places nearest to the rear corners of the body,  the  outer  rear  edge of the free 
space,  viewed  in  plan,  may  be  rounded  to  a  radius  not  exceeding  150  mm 
(see Annex III, figure 17). 

7.7.8.6.4 

In the  free  space  defined  by paragraphs  7.7.8.6.1, 7.7.8.6.2  and  7.7.8.6.3, the 
following  additional intrusions shall be permitted: 

7.7.8.6.4.1  Intrusion  of  the  back  of  another  seat,  its  supports  and  its  attachments 

(e.g. folding table). 

7.7.8.6.4.2  In  the  case  of  a  vehicle  for  up  to  22  passengers,  intrusion  of  a  wheel  arch 

provided that one of the following two conditions is  fulfilled. 

7.7.8.6.4.2. lthe  intrusion  does  not  extend  beyond  the  median  vertical  plane  of the  seating 

position (see Annex HI, figure 18) pr 

7.7.8.6.4.2.2the  nearest  edge  of  the  area  300  mm  in  depth  available  for  the  feet  of  the 
seated  passenger  is  advanced  no  more  than  200  mm  from  the  edge  of  the 
uncompressed  seat cushion and to not more than 600 mm in front of the  squab 
of the seat, these measurements being made in the median vertical plane of the 
seating position (see Annex III, figure  19). 

7.7.8.6.4.3  In  the  case  of  seats  alongside  the  driver's  seat  in  vehicles  with  up  to 
22 passengers  intrusion  of  the  dashboard/instrument  panel,  windscreen,  sun 
visors,  seat belts, seat belt anchorages and front dome. 

7.7.8.7 

On Class III & B vehicles, the seats shall be front face or rear face. 

7.7.9 

Communication with the driver 

7.7.9.1 

On  vehicles  of  Classes  I,  II  and  A,  a  means  shall  be  provided  to  enable 
passengers  to  signal  to  the  driver  that  she/he  should  stop  the  vehicle.  The 
controls  for  all such  communication  devices  shall  have protruding  buttons,  no 
more than  120 cm from  the floor, and  shall be a contrasting  colour  or  colours. 
Controls  shall  be  distributed  adequately  and  evenly  throughout  the  vehicle. 
Activation  of the control  shall also be indicated  to the  passengers by means of 
one or more illuminated  signs; The sing shall display the words  "bus stopping", 
or equivalent,  and/or a suitable pictogram  and  shall remain illuminated  until the 
service  door(s)  open.  Articulated  vehicles  shall  have  such  sings  in  each  rigid 
section of the vehicle. Double deck vehicles shall have them on each deck. 

58 

7.7.9.2 

7.7.9.3 

Communication  with  the  crew  compartment.  If  a  crew  compartment  is  fitted 
the  driver  or  passenger  compartments,  a  means 
without  access 
of communication  between  the  driver  and  this  crew  compartment  shall 
be provided. 

to 

Vehicles  of  Classes  I,  II  and  A  shall  have  provision  for  the  route  number 
(or letter  if applicable)  and  destination  to  be  displayed.  Provisions  for  a  route 
number  at  least  20 cm high shall be  made  on  the  front  of the  vehicle  and  the 
side in which service doors are fitted. In addition vehicles of Classes I, II and A 
shall have provisions for  a route  number  at  the  rear  of the vehicle.  Provisions 
for  a  destination  display  at  least  12  cm  high  shall  be  made  on  the  front  of 
vehicles of Classes I, II and A. 

7.7.10 

Hot drink machines and cooking equipment 

Hot  drink  machines  and  cooking  equipment  shall  be  so  installed  or  guarded 
that  no  hot  food  or  drink  is  likely  to  be  spilled  on  any  passenger  due  to 
emergency braking or cornering forces. 

7.7.10.1  On  vehicles  fitted  with  hot  drinks  machines  or  cooking  equipment,  all 
passenger  seats  shall  have  adequate  provision  for  setting  down  hot  food  or 
drink whilst the vehicle is in motion. 

7.7.11 

Doors to interior  compartments 

Every door to a toilet or other interior  compartment: 

7.7.11.1 

shall be  self-closing,  and  shall not  be fitted with  any  device to  hold  it  open  if, 
when open, it could obstruct passengers in an emergency, 

7.7.11.2 

shall,  when  open,  not  conceal  any  handle,  control  device  for  opening  or 
obligatory  marking  associated  with  any  service  door,  emergency  door, 
emergency exit fire extinguisher or first kit aid, 

7.7.11.3 

shall be  provided  with  a means to  enable the  door  to  be  opened  from  outside 
the compartment  in an emergency, 

7.7.11.4 

shall  not  be  capable  of being  locked  from  the  outside  unless  it  can  always  be 
opened from the inside. 

7.8 

Artificial  interior lighting 

7.8.1. 

Internal electrical lighting shall be provided for the illumination  of: 

7.8.1.1 

all passenger  compartments,  crew compartments,  toilet  compartments  and  the 
articulated  section of an articulated vehicle; 

7.8.1.2 

any step or steps; 

7.8.1.3 

the access to any exits; 

59 

7.8.1.4 

the internal markings and internal controls of all exits; 

7.8.1.5 

all places where there are obstacles. 

7.8.2. 

There shall be at least two internal lighting circuits such that failure of one will 
not  affect  the  other.  A  circuit  serving  only  permanent  entry  and exit  lighting 
can be considered as one of these circuits. 

7.8.3 

Provisions  shall  be made to  protect  the  driver from the  effects  of  glare  and 
reflections caused by artificial interior lighting. 

7.9 

Articulated section of articulated vehicles 

7.9.1 

7.9.2 

The articulated  section that interconnects rigid portions of the vehicle shall be 
so designed and constructed as to allow at least one rotary movement about at 
least one horizontal axis, and at least one vertical axis. 

When  the  articulated  vehicle  at  its  unladen  kerb  mass  is  stationary  on  a 
horizontal  level  surface  there  shall  not  be  between  the  floor  of  either  of  the 
rigid sections and the floor of the rotating base or of the element replacing that 
base an uncovered gap of a width exceeding: 

7.9.2.1 

1  cm when all the wheels of the vehicle are on the sarne plane, or 

7.9.2.2 

2 cm when the wheels of the axle adjacent  to the articulated  section are resting 
on a surface which is  15 cm higher than the surface  on which the wheels of the 
other axles are resting. 

7.9.3 

The  difference  in level between  the floor of the  rigid  portions  and  the floor of 
the rotating base, measured at the joint,  shall not  exceed: 

7.9.3.1 

2 cm in the conditions described in paragraph  7.9.2.1 above, or 

7.9.3.2 

3 cm in the conditions described in paragraph  7.9.2.2  above. 

7.9.4 

On articulated  vehicles means shall be provided  to physically prevent  access by 
passengers to any part of the articulated  section where: 

7.9.4.1 

the  floor  has  an  uncovered  gap  not  complying  with  the  requirements  of 
paragraph  7.9.2; 

7.9.4.2 

the floor  cannot carry the mass of the passengers; 

7.9.4.3 

the movements of the walls constitute a danger to passengers. 

7.10 

Direction-holding  of articulated  vehicles 

When an articulated  vehicle is moving in a straight  line the longitudinal  median 
planes  of  its  rigid  portion  shall  coincide  and  form  a  continuous  plane  without 
any  deflection. 

60 

7.11 

Handrails and handholds 

7.11.1 

General requirements 

7.11.1.1  Handrails and handholds shall be of adequate strength. 

7.11.1.2  They  shall  be  so  designed  and  installed  as  to  present  no  risk  of  injury  to 

passengers. 

7.11.1.3  Handrails  and  handholds  shall  be  of  a  section  enabling  passengers  to  grasp 
them easily and firmly. Every handrail shall provide a length of at least  10 cm 
to  accommodate  a  hand.  No  dimension  of  the  section  shall  be  smaller than 
2 cm or greater than 4.5 cm except in the case of handrails on doors and seats 
and, in the case of a vehicle of Class II, m  and B, in access passages. In these 
cases  hand  rails  having  a  minimum  dimension  of  1.5  cm  shall  be  permitted 
provided that one other dimension is of at least 2.5 cm. handrails and shall not 
have sharp bends. 

7.11.1.4  The  clearance  between  a  handrail  or  handhold  and  the  adjacent  part  of the 
vehicle  body  or  walls  shall  be  of  at  least  4  cm.  However,  in the  case  of a 
handrail on a door or a seat, or in the access passage of a vehicle of Class II, 
III and B, a minimum clearance of 3.5 cm shall be permitted. 

7.11.1.5  The  surface  of  every  handrail,  handhold  or  stanchion  shall  be  colour 

contrasting and non-slip. 

7.11.2 

Handrails and handholds for standing passengers. 

7.11.2.1  Handrails  and/or  handholds  shall  be  provided  in  sufficient  number  for  each 
point  of  the  floor  area  intended,  in  conformity  with  paragraph  7.2.2  for 
standing passengers. For this purpose, strap hangers, if fitted, may be counted 
as handholds, provided that they are held in their position by suitable means. 
This requirement  shall be deemed to be fulfilled  if,  for  all possible sites of the 
testing device shown in Annex III, figure 20 hereto, at least two handrails or 
handholds can be reached by the device's movable arm. The testing device may 
be freely turned about its vertical axis. 

7.1 r.2.2  When applying the procedure described in paragraph 7.11.2.1 above, only such 
handrails and handholds shall be considered as are not less than 80 cm and not 
more than 190 cm above the floor. 

7.11.2.3  For every position that can be occupied by a standing passenger, at least one of 
the two required handrails or handholds shall be not more than  150 cm above 
the level of the floor at that position. 

7.11.2.4  Areas which can be occupied by standing passengers and are not separated by 
seats from the  side  walls  or  rear  wall  of the  vehicle  shall  be  provided  with 
horizontal  handrails parallel to the walls and installed  at  a height  of between 
80 cm and 150 cm above the  floor. 

61 

7.11.3 

Handrails and handholds for service doors 

7.11.3.1  Door apertures shall be fitted with handrails and/or handholds on each side. 

7.11.3.2  Handrails and/or handholds to be provided  for  service doors,shall be  such that 
they  include  a  grasping  point  available  to  a  person  standing  on  the  ground 
adjacent to the service door or on any of the successive steps. Such points shall 
be situated, vertically, between  80 and  110 cm above the ground  or  above  the 
surface of each step, and horizontally: 

7.11.3.2.1  for the position appropriate to a person standing on the ground,  not  more than 

40 cm inwards from the outer edge of the first step; and 

7.11.3.2.2  for  the  position  appropriate  to  a particular  step,  not  outwards  from  the  outer 
edge  of  the  step  considered,  and  not  more  than  60  cm  inwards  from  that 
same edge. 

7.11.3.3 

In the case of a double  door in a vehicle without  steps  or with  only  one  step, 
no centre stanchion or handrail shall be fitted. 

7.11.4 

Handrails to priority seating 

7.11.4.1  A  horizontal  hand-rail  at  a  height  of  between  80  cm  and  90  cm  above  floor 
level  shall  be  provided  between  the  service  door(s)  and  the  priority  seating, 
described in paragraph  7.7.8.5.2. 

7.12 

7.12.1 

7.12.2 

7.12.3 

7.12.4 

Accessibility  for  passengers  with  reduced  mobility  and  provisions  for 
wheelchair users 

In  order  to  fix  a  standard  for  reduced  mobility,  one  will  hereafter  consider 
wheelchair  users, who  can freely and normally  use their  arms  and  hands,  as  a 
reference for passengers with reduced mobility. 

Vehicles designed  to  provide  scheduled urban and interurban  services  shall be 
designed  to  afford  an easy  access to  passengers with reduced  mobility.  These 
vehicles shall comply with the provisions of paragraphs  7.12.3  to  7.12.13  and 
with the relevant provisions of Annex VII. 

The  same  provisions  shall  apply  to  other  vehicles  designed  to  afford  easy 
access to passengers with reduced mobility. 

Per wheelchair user provided  for in the passenger compartment  there shall be a 
special area at least 90 cm wide and  130 cm long. 

There  shall  be  at  least  two  doors,  among  which  at  least  one  service  door, 
through which wheelchair users can pass, with a width of at least  90 cm. In the 
case of vehicles designed for carrying one or two wheelchair users, this number 
may be reduced  to  one  door,  provided  that  it be a service  door  and  that  there 
be another with a width of at least 60 cm. 

7.12.5 

Access from the door to the special area: 

It shall be possible to  move from the doors referred to  in paragraph 7.12.4  to 
the special area referred to in paragraph 7.12.3  with a reference wheelchair of 
the dimensions shown in Annex III, figure 21. 

Besides, the vehicle shall be so designed as to allow an easy evacuation of the 
wheelchair users from their special area in a case of emergency. 

In the case of Class II and Class III vehicles, when the wheelchair users are in 
their  special  area, the width of the gangway  may be reduced provided  that it 
permits the free passage  of a gauging  device  as defined  in paragraph  7.7.5.1, 
except as for its lower diameter, which shall be 30 cm. 

7.12.6 

One  of the  several  means of communication  shall  be provided  in Class  I and 
Class  II  vehicles  in  accordance  with paragraph  7.7.9,  except  near the parked 
positions of the wheelchairs. 

7.12.7 

Stability of the wheelchairs: 

7.12.7.1 

If  the  Class  I  vehicle  is  designed  to  carry  only  one  or  two  wheelchairs,  the 
following provisions are applicable: 

the wheelchair may be unrestrained; 

the longitudinal  axis of the space for  a wheelchair  shall be parallel to  the 
longitudinal axis of the vehicle; 

one of the sides of the space for  a wheelchair  shall rest  against  a  side of 
the vehicle; 

the wheelchair shall travel facing  backwards; 

a  partition  perpendicular  to  the  longitudinal  axis  of  the  vehicle  shall  be 
provided 
the  other 
passenger seats; 

for  a  wheelchair  and 

the  space 

between 

the  wheels  or  the  back  of the  wheelchair  shall  rest  against  the  partition 
(or  backrest  of  the  seat  row  in  front)  in  order  to  avoid  the  wheelchair 
tipping over; 

the partition or backrest  of the seat  row  in front  shall be able to bear the 
unrestrained  wheelchair  totalling  a  mass  of  250  kg,  including  the  user, 
when the vehicle brakes from  a speed  of at least  50 km/h to  a halt with a 
deceleration  of at least 5 m/sec2; 

a  handrail  or  handhold  shall be fitted to  the  side of the vehicle  in  such  a 
way as to allow the wheelchair user to grasp it easily; 

63 

a  retractable  handrail  (or  any  equivalent  device)  shall  be  fitted  on  the 
opposite side of the wheelchair area in order to restrict  any lateral  shift  of 
the wheelchair and to allow the wheelchair user to grasp it easily; 

a non-skid coat shall cover the floor of the special area; 

- 

a sign shall be fixed adjacent  to the special area, with the following  text: 

"This place is reserved  for  a wheelchair.  The wheelchair  must be placed  facing 
backwards resting against the partition brakes on". 

7.12.7.2 

If the vehicle is designed to carry more than two wheelchair users: 

A  restraint  system  shall  be  provided  in  order  to  warrant  the  stability  of  the 
wheelchair(s)  totalling  a  mass  of  250  kg  each,  including  the  user,  when  the 
vehicle brakes from a speed of at least  50 km/h, to  a halt with a deceleration  of 
at least 5 m/sec2. 

The  restraint  system  control  shall be  red  and  shall  be  easy  to  operate  for  the 
wheelchair  user  and  anybody  else  in  order  to  ease  evacuation  in  a  case  of 
emergency. Its operating instructions shall be clearly displayed adjacent  to it. 

The restraint  system shall be so designed  as to  prevent  misuse. In particular,  it 
shall not be able to remain  half-closed. 

7.12.8 

Boarding  aids/accessibility: 

At  least  one of the doors referred  to  in paragraph  7.12.4  shall bear  a boarding 
aid  complying  with  the  provisions  of  Annex  VII.  In  addition,  any  other 
boarding  aid  fitted  on  the  vehicle  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of 
Annex VII. 

7.12.9 

Door  controls 

Any  opening  control  adjacent  to  a  door  referred  to  in  paragraph  7.12.4, 
whether being outside  or inside of the vehicle,  shall not be higher than  130 cm 
from the ground or the floor. 

Moreover,  when  a boarding  aid  is not to be  directly  operated  by a  wheelchair 
user,  a means of communication with the driver,  shall be fitted outside  adjacent 
to the door,  and not higher than  130 cm from the ground. 

7.12.10 

Lighting 

Adequate lighting shall be provided in order to allow wheelchair users to board 
and  unboard  conveniently  and  safely,  without  disturbing  the  driver  nor 
other users. 

64 

7.12.11  Mass distribution 

"  ~ 

In  the  case  of  Class  II  vehicles,  including  those  principally  designed  for 
wheelchair  users,  for  the  purposes  of  paragraph  7.3,  every  wheelchair  place 
shall  be  considered  as  one  seat  and  therefore  be  included  in  "P".  Their 
corresponding  area shall be conventionally  assumed to be 90 cm x  130 cm and 
shall be deduced  from  SQ  in order to  determine  S \  The mass  of a wheelchair 
comprising  the  mass  of  the  passenger  shall  be  conventionally  assumed  to  be 
250 kg. For other vehicles, paragraph  7.3  shall apply, ignoring the presence  of 
wheelchairs.  In  the  case  of  Class  III  and  Class  II  primarily  intended  for  the 
carriage of wheelchair users, the prescriptions of 7.3.1 shall not apply. 

7.12.12 

Special provisions for vehicles designed for carrying mainly wheelchairs users. 

If the  vehicle  is to  carry  more  than  eight  wheelchair  users,  at  least  two  exits 
shall comply with the provisions of Annex VII, unless the vehicle is a  low-floor 
bus  with  two  such  exits.  Moreover  the  access  to  the  doors  and  to  the 
gangways shall permit free passage of crew members. 

7.13 

Accessibility pictograms 

Appropriate  pictograms,  internal  and  external,  shall  indicate  the  presence  of 
specific  seats for passengers with reduced  mobility other than wheelchair  users 
and,  if necessary,  the  possible  transport  of wheelchair  users.  Such  pictograms 
are represented in Annex III, fig. 22 a and b. 

7.13.1 

The pictogram  of a passenger  in wheelchair  (Annex  III, fig 22  a)  and  that  for 
impaired  capacity passengers  other than wheelchair  users (Annex III, fig 22 b) 
shall be applied: 

at  the left  side end  of the relevant  service door,  below the lower  outline 
of the  side windows,  if possible  on the  axis with  any coloured  bands  on 
the waistline; 

on  the  vehicle  front  head,  blow  the  lower  outline  of  the  windshield,  on 
the vehicle right hand. 

The  application  of  the  pictogram  shall  guarantee  the  clear  and  easy  reading, 
even when applied on a non plane and vertical  surface. 

7.13.2 

The pictogram for reduced mobility passenger other than wheelchair users shall 
be  applied  at  each  place  for  passenger  with  an  reduced  mobility  other  than 
wheelchair users. 

The  pictogram  for  a  passenger  in  a wheelchair  shall  be  in  the  space  intended 
for the passengers in a wheelchair. 

65 

7.14 

Guarding of stepwells 

Where any seated passenger  is likely to  be thrown  forward  into a stepwell  as a 
result  of  heavy  braking,  a  guard  shall  be  fitted.  The  guard  shall  have  a 
minimum height from the floor on which the passenger's feet  rest  of 80 cm and 
shall  extend  inwards  from  the  wall  of  the  vehicle  at  least  as  far  as  10  cm 
beyond  the  longitudinal  centre  line  of  any  seating  position  where  the 
passenger is  at  risk  or  to  the  riser  of  the  innermost  step;  whichever  is  the 
lesser dimension. 

c 

7.14.1 

Means  shall  be  provided  to  prevent  objects  having  a  diameter  of  between 
2 and 7 cm rolling into the driver's foot  controls zone. 

7.15 

Luggage racks, driver protection 

The occupants of the vehicle shall be protected  from  objects  liable to  fall  from 
luggage racks under braking or cornering forces.  If luggage  compartments  are 
fitted,  they  must  be  designed  in  such  a  way  that  luggage  is  prevented  from 
falling in the event of sudden braking. 

7.16 

Trap doors, if fitted 

Every trap  door  on the floor of a vehicle  shall be  so  fitted  and  secured  that  it 
cannot  be dislodged  or  opened  without  the use  of tools  or  keys  and  no  lifting 
or securing device shall project  by more than  8 mm above floor level. Edges of 
projections  shall be rounded. 

7.17 

Visual entertainment 

Forms  of  visual  entertainment  for  passengers,  for  example  videos,  shall  be 
located  out  of  the  driver's  view  when  the  driver  is  seated  in  their  normal 
driving position. 

7.18 

Driver cab area 

7.18.1 

The  driver  seat  shall  have  a minimum  width  of  50  cm.  The  minimum  distance 
between  the  front  of  the  driver  seat  squab  and  the  part  of  the  steering  wheel 
nearest  to  the  driver  shall be 40  cm.  This  distance  shall be  measured  with  the 
driver seat in its most advanced  position. 

7.18.2 

The  instruments  panel  shall  have  an  ergonomie  configuration  to  allow  the 
driver to reach all the commands without  leaving his seat. 

66 

ANNEX I 

PARTB 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR LOW-FLOOR BUSES 

7.6.3.1 

The several kinds of exit shall have the following minimum dimensions: 

Class I 

Height (cm) 

180 

Class II 
and III 
165 

Width (cm) 

single door: 90 
double door:  120 

Door 
aperture 

Height (cm) 
Width (cm) 

Area: (cm2) 

125 
60 

4 000 

Service 
door 

Emergency 
door 

Emergency 
window 

Remarks 

-
This dimension may be 
reduced by  10 cm when 
the measurement is 
made at the level of the 
hand holds 

-

It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle of 50 cm x 
70 cm 

Emergency window  situated in the rear 
face of the vehicle. If the  manufacturer 
does not provide an emergency 
window of the minimum dimensions 
prescribed  above 
Escape 
hatch 

Hatch 
aperture 

Area ( cm2) 

It shall be possible to inscribe in the emergency  window 
aperture a rectangle 35 cm high and  155 cm wide. The 
corners of the rectangle may be rounded  to a radios of 
curvature not exceeding 25 cm. 

4 000 

It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle measuring  50 x 
70 cm2 

7.6.10 

Technical requirements for retractable  steps 

Low-floor  buses cannot have retractable steps. 

7.7.6 

Slope of gangway 

7.7.6.4 

12.5%) in the case of a low-floor  vehicle of Class I or II of the inner part  of the 
gangway,  lm  either  side  of the  second  axle  centre  line.  This  surface  shall  be 
particularly slip resistant. 

7.7.7.1 

Steps 

There  shall be no steps between  at  least  35% of the area available for  standing 
passengers and the first  step from the ground  of at least one service door. 

67 

7.11.3.3  Vehicles  which  do  not  have  steps  between  the  service  door  and  the  area 
available  for  passengers  shall  have  handrails  on  each  side  of  the  entrance  as 
described in paragraph  7.11.3.2 from  a position  10 cm inwards from the first to 
half the vehicle width. 

7.12.2 

Low-floor  vehicles  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  paragraphs  7.12.3  to 
7.12.7 and 7.12.9 to 7.12.13. 

7.12.8 

Boarding  aids/accessibility: 

At least  one of the doors referred  to  in paragraph  7.12.4  shall bear  a boarding 
aid complying with paragraphs  3.3  or 3.4  of Annex VII. In addition,  any  other 
boarding  aid  fitted  on  the  vehicle  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of 
Annex VII. 

68 

ANNEX I 

PARTC 

SPECIFICS REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN LOW-FLOOR 
BUSES 

7.6.3.1 

The several kinds of exit shall have the following  minimum dimensions: 

Class I 

Height (cm) 

180 

Class II 
and III 
165 

Width (cm) 

single door: 65 
double door:  120 

Door 
aperture 

Height  (cm) 
Width (cm) 

Area: (cm2) 

125 
55 

4 000 

Service 
door 

Emergency 
door 

Emergency 
window 

Remarks 

-
This dimension may be 
reduced by  10 cm when 
the measurement is made 
at the level of the hand 
holds 

-

It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle of 50 cmx 
70 cm 

Emergency window situated in the rear 
face of the vehicle. If the  manufacturer 
does not provide an emergency 
window of the minimum dimensions 
prescribed  above 
Escape 
hatch 

Hatch 
aperture  Area ( cm2) 

It shall be possible to inscribe in the emergency window 
aperture a rectangle 35 cm high and  155 cm wide. The 
corners of the rectangle may be rounded to a radios of 
curvature not exceeding 25 cm. 

4 000 

It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle measuring 
50 x 70 cm2 

7.6.10 

Technical requirements for retractable  steps 

Retractable steps if fitted  shall comply with the following  requirements: 

7.6.10.1 

Their operation  shall be synchronised  with that of the corresponding  service or 
emergency  door. 

7.6.10.2  WTien the door is closed  no part  of the retractable  step  shall project  more than 

10 mm beyond the adjacent  line of the body work. 

7.6.10.3  When the door  is open and the retractable  step is in the extended  position,  the 
surface  area  shall  conform  to  the  requirements  of  paragraph  7.7.7  of 
this Annex. 

69 

7.6.10.4 

It shall not be possible for the vehicle to move from rest, under its own power, 
when the  step is in the extended  position.  In the case  of  a manually  operated 
step,  an audible or visual  indication  shall alert the driver when the  step is not 
fully retracted. 

7.6.10.5  The step shall not be capable of being extended when the vehicle is in motion. 
If the device to  operate the step fails, the  step  shall retract  and remain in the 
retracted position. However, the operation of the corresponding door shall not 
be hindered in the event of such a failure, or if the step is damaged. 

7.6.10.6  When a passenger is standing on the retractable step, corresponding door shall 
be  incapable  of  being  closed.  Compliance  with  this  requirement  shall  be 
checked by placing a mass of  15 kg representing a small child, at the centre of 
the step. This requirement shall not apply to any door within the driver's direct 
field of view. 

7.6.10.7  The  movement  of the  retractable  step  shall  not  be liable to  cause  any bodily 

harm either to passengers or to persons waiting at bus stops. 

7.6.10.8  The corners of retractable steps facing forwards or rear-wards shall be rounded 
to a radius of not less than 5 mm; the edges shall be rounded to a radius of not 
less than 2.5 mm. 

7.6.10.9  When the passenger door is open, the retractable step shall be securely held in 
the  extended  position.  When  a mass  of  136  kg  is  placed  in the  centre  of  a 
single  step  or  a mass  of  272  kg  is  placed  in the  centre  of  a double  step  the 
deflection at any point on the step shall not exceed  10 mm. 

7.11.3.1 

For  double  doors,  this  requirement  may  be  met  by  the  installation  of  one 
central stanchion or handrail. 

70 

ANNEX I 

Appendix 1 

VERIFICATION  OF STATIC TILTING LIMIT BY MEANS OF CALCULATION 

1. 

2. 

A vehicle  may  be  shown  to  meet  the  requirement  specified  in  paragraph  7.4  of 
Annex  I  and  paragraph  7.4  of  Annex  VIII  of  this  Directive  by  a  calculation 
method  approved by the technical service for conducting the tests. 

The technical  service responsible for  conducting the tests  may require  tests  to  be 
carried  out  on  parts  of  the  vehicle  to  verify 
the  assumptions  made  in 
the calculation. 

3. 

Preparations for  calculation. 

3.1 

The vehicle shall be represented by a spatial system. 

3.2 

3.3 

Due  to  the  location  of  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  body  of  the  vehicle  and  the 
different  spring rates of the vehicle suspension and tyres, axles do not generally  lift 
simultaneously  on  one  side  of  the  vehicle  as  a  result  of  lateral  acceleration. 
Therefore,  lateral  tilting  of the body  over  each  axle  has to  be  ascertained  on  the 
supposition that the wheels of the other axle(s) remain on the ground. 

To  simplify  matters, it  shall be assumed that the centre of gravity of the  unsprung 
masses lies in the longitudinal  plane of the vehicle on the line passing through  the 
centre  of  the  wheel  rotation  axle.  The  small  shifting  of  the  roll  centre  due  to 
deflection  of the axle can  be  neglected.  The  air  suspension  control  should  not  be 
taken into account. 

3.4 

The following  parameters, at least, shall be taken into account: 

Vehicle  data  such  as  wheel  base,  tread  width  and  sprung/unsprung  masses, 
location  of  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  vehicle,  deflection  and  rebound  and  the 
spring rate of the vehicle suspension, considering also non linearity,  horizontal  and 
vertical  spring rate  of the tyres, torsion  of the  superstructure,  location  of the  roll 
centre of the axles. 

4. 

Validity of the calculation  method. 

4.1 

The validity of the calculation method  shall be established to the satisfaction  of the 
technical  service, e.g. on the basis of a comparative test with a similar vehicle. 

71 

ANNEX II 

TYPE-APPRO VAL  DOCUMENTATION 

Appendix 1 
Sub-Appendix 1 

INFORMATION DOCUMENT No 

* . 

pursuant to Annex I of Council Directive 70/156/EEC 
relating to EC Type-approval of a vehicle with respect to the 
special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than 
eight seats in addition to the driver's seat (Directive  ..../.../....) 

The  following  information,  if  applicable,  must  be  supplied  in  triplicate  and  include  a  list  of 
contents.  Any drawings must be  supplied  in appropriate  scale and in  sufficient  detail  on  size A4 
or on a folder  of A4 format.  Photographs, if any, must show sufficient  detail. 
If  the  systems,  components  or  separate  technical  units  have  electronic  controls,  information 
concerning their performance  must be supplied. 

0. 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

GENERAL 

Make (trade name of manufacturer): 

Type and general commercial  description(s): 

Means of identification  of type, if marked  on the vehicle (b): 

0.3.0.1 

Chassis: 

0.3.0.2 

Body: 

0.3.1 

Location of that marking: 

0.4. 

0.5 

0.8 

1. 

1.1 

Category of vehicle (c): 

Name and address of manufacturer. 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s) : 

GENERAL  CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE  VEHICLE 

Photographs and/or drawings of a representative vehicle: 

The  item numbers  and footnotes  used in this Information  Document  correspond  to those  set 
out in_Annex I to Directive  70/156/EEC._Items not relevant for the purpose of this Directive 
are omitted. 

72 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4. 

1.5 

1.6 

1.7 

1.8 

Dimensional drawing of the whole vehicle: 

Number of axles and wheels: 

Chassis (if any) (overall drawing) : 

Material used for the side -members (d): 

Position and arrangement of the engine: 

Driving cab (forward, or normal) (z): 

Hand of drive: 

2. 

MASSES AND DIMENSIONS (e) (in kg and mm) 

(Refer to drawing where applicable) 

Wheel base(s) (fully loaded) (f): 

Range of vehicle dimensions (overall) 

2.1 

2.4 

2.4.1 

For chassis without  bodywork 

2.4.1.1 

Length (j): 

2.4.1.2 

Width (k): 

2.4.1.2.1 
2.4.1.3 

Maximum width: 
Height  (unladen)  (1) (for  suspensions  adjustable  for  height,  indicate  normal 
running position): 

2.4.2 

For chassis with bodywork 

2.4.2.1 

Length (j): 

2.4.2.2 

Width (k): 

2.4.2.3 

2.4.2.4 

2.6 

2.6.1 

Height  (unladen)  (1) (for  suspensions  adjustable  for  height,  indicate  normal 
running position): 

Position  of  centre  of  gravity  of  the  laden  vehicle  in  the  longitudinal, 
transverse and vertical directions: 

Mass  of the vehicle with bodywork  in running  order,  or  mass  of the  chassis 
with  cab  if the  manufacturer  does  not  fit  the  bodywork  (including  coolant, 
oils, fuel,  tools, spare wheel and driver) (o) (max. and min. for  each version): 

Distribution  of this  mass  among  the  axles  and,  in  the  case  of  a  semi-trailer 
or centre-axle  trailer,  load  on  the  coupling  point  (max.  and  min.  for 
each version): 

73 

2.8 

2.8.1 

2.9 

9. 

9.1 

9.2 

13. 

13.1 

13.2 

Technically  permissible  maximum  laden  mass  stated  by  the  manufacturer 
(max. and min. for each version) (y): 

Distribution of this mass among the axles and, in the case of a semi-trailer or 
centre-axle  trailer,  load  on  the  coupling  point  (max.  and  min.  for  each 
version): 

Technically  permissible  maximum  mass  on  each  axle  and,  in  the  case  of  a 
semi-trailer  or  centre-axle  trailer,  load  on  the  coupling  point,  stated  by 
the manufacturer: 

BODYWORK 

Type of bodywork: 

Materials used and methods of construction: 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS  FOR VEHICLES USED FOR THE CARRIAGE 
OF  PASSENGERS  COMPRISING  MORE  THAN  EIGHT  SEATS  IN 
ADDITION TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT 

Class of vehicle (Class I, Class II, Class III, Class A, (Class B): 

Area for passengers (m2): 

13.2.1 

Total  (S0): 

13.2.1.1 

Upper deck  (Soa)(^: 

13.2.1.2 

Lower deck  (Sob^1): 

13.2.2 

For standing passengers  (Si): 

13.3 

Number of passengers (seated and standing) : 

13.3.1 

Total (N): 

13.3.2 

Upper deck  (Na)0): 

13.3.3 

Lower deck (Nb)C1): 

13.4 

Number of passengers  seated : 

13.4.1 

Total (A): 

13.4.2 

Upper deck  (Aa)0): 

13.4.3 

Lower deck  (Ab)0); 

13.5 

Number of service doors: 

74 

13.6 

Number  of 
intercommunication  staircase and half staircase): 

emergency 

exits 

(doors,  windows, 

escape  hatches, 

13.6.1 

Total: 

13.6.2 

Upper deckO): 

13.6.3 

Lower deckO): 

13.7 

13.8 

13.9 

Volume of luggage compartments: 

nr 

Area for luggage transportation  on the roof: 

wr 

Technical  devices  facilitating  the  access  to  vehicles  (e.g.  ramp,  lifting 
platform,  kneeling system), if fitted: 

13.10 

Superstructure  strength : 

13.10.1 

13.10.2 

Detailed  description  of  the  superstructure  of  the  vehicle  type  including  its 
dimensions, configuration  and constituent materials and its attachment to any 
chassis frame. 

Drawings  of  the  vehicle  and  those  parts  of  its  interior  arrangement 
which have  an  influence  on  the  strength  of  the  superstructure  o.  on  the 
residual space. 

13.10.3 

Position  of  centre  of  gravity  of  the  unladen  vehicle  in  the  longitudinal, 
transverse and vertical directions: 

13.10.4 

Maximum distance between the centre lines of the outboard  passenger seats. 

75 

ANNEX II 

Appendix 1 
Sub-Appendix 2 

INFORMATION DOCUMENT No 

* . 

pursuant to Annex I of Council Directive  70/156/EEC 
relating to EC Type-approval of a body as a separate technical unit with respect to the 
special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than 
eight seats in addition to the driver's seat (Directive  ..../.../....) 

The  following  information,  if  applicable,  must  be  supplied  in  triplicate  and  include  a  list  of 
contents.  Any drawings must  be  supplied  in appropriate  scale and  in  sufficient  detail  on size A4 
or on a folder  of A4 format.  Photographs, if any, must show sufficient  detail. 
If  the  systems,  components  or  separate  technical  units  have  electronic  controls,  information 
concerning their performance  must be supplied. 

0. 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

GENERAL 

Make (trade name of manufacturer): 

t • 

Type and general commercial  description(s): 

Means of identification  of type, if marked on the body (b): 

0.3.1 

Location of that marking: 

0.7 

0.8 

1. 

1.1 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4. 

1.5 

In the case of components  and  separate technical  units,  location  and  method 
of affixing  of the EC type-approval mark. 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s): 

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION  CHARACTERISTICS  OF THE  VEHICLE 

Photographs and/or drawings of a representative vehicle: 

Dimensional drawing of the whole vehicle: 

Number of axles and wheels: 

Chassis (if any) (overall drawing): 

Material used for the side -members (d): 

The  item numbers  and footnotes  used  in this  Information  Document  correspond  to those  set 
out in Annex I to Directive  70/156/EEC.  Items not relevant  for the purpose of this  Directive 
arc omitted. 

76 

1.6 

1.7 

1.8 

2. 

2.1 

2.4 

Position and arrangement of the engine: 

Driving cab (forward,  or normal) (z): 

Hand of drive: 

MASSES AND DIMENSIONS (e) (in kg and mm) 

(Refer to drawing where applicable) 

Wheel base(s) (fully loaded) {f): 

Range of vehicle dimensions (overall) 

2.4.3 

For bodywork approved without chassis: 

2.4.3.1 

Length (j): 

2.4.3.2  Width (k): 
2.4.3.3 

Nominal  Height  (unladen)  on  intended  chassis  type(s)  (1)  (for  suspension 
adjustable for height, indicate normal running position): 

9. 

9.1 

9.2 

13. 

BODYWORK 

Type of bodywork : 

Materials used and methods of construction: 

SPECIAL  PROVISIONS  FOR  VEHICLES  USED  FOR  THE  CARRIAGE 
OF  PASSENGERS  COMPRISING  MORE  THAN  EIGHT  SEATS  IN 
ADDITION TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT 

13.1 

Class of vehicle (Class I, Class II, Class III, Class A, Class B): 

13.1.1 

Chassis  types  where  the  EC  type-approved  body  can  be 
(manufacturer(s) and vehicle(s) types): 

installed 

13.2 

Area for passengers (m2) : 

13.2.1 

Total  (S0): 

13.2.1.1  Upper deck  (Soa):(1) 

13.2.1.2  Lower deck (S0b):(1) 

13.2.2 

For standing passengers (Si): 

13.3 

Number of passengers (seated and standing): 

13.3.1 

Total (N): 

77 

13.3.2 

Upper deck  (Na):(1) 

13.3.3 

Lower deck (Nb):(1) 

13.4 

Number of passenger seats: 

13.4.1 

Total (A): 

13.4.2 

Upper deck  (Aa):(1) 

13.4.3 

Lower deck (Ab):(1) 

13.5 

Number of service doors : 

13.6 

Number 
intercommunication  staircase and half staircase): 

emergency 

exits 

of 

(doors,  windows, 

escape 

hatches, 

13.6.1 

Total: 

13.6.2 

Upper deck:(1) 

13.6.3 

Lower deck:(1) 

13.7 

Volume of luggage compartments: 

m3 

13.8 

13.9 

Area for  luggage transportation  on the roof: 

m2 

Technical  devices  facilitating  the  access  to  vehicles  (e.g.  ramp, 
platform,  kneeling system), if fitted: 

lifting 

13.10 

SUPERSTRUCTURE  STRENGTH 

13.10.1 

13.10.2 

Detailed  description  of  the  superstructure  of  the  vehicle  type  including  its 
dimensions, configuration  and constituent  materials, and its attachment to any 
chassis frame. 

Drawings  of  the  vehicle  and  those  parts  of  its  interior  arrangement 
which have  an  influence  on  the  strength  of  the  superstructure  or  on  the 
residual space. 

13.10.3 

Position  of  centre  of  gravity  of  the  unladen  vehicle  in  the  longitudinal, 
transverse and vertical directions: 

13.10.4 

Maximum distance between the centre lines of the outboard  passenger seats. 

78 

ANNEXE 

Appendix 1 
Sub-Appendix 3 

INFORMATION DOCUMENT No 

*  . 

pursuant to Annex I of Council Directive 70/156/EEC 
relating to EC Type-approval of a vehicle where the body has previously obtained the EC 
type-approval as a separate technical unit, with respect to the special provisions for 
vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to 
the driver's seat (Directive  ..../.../....) 

The  following  information,  if  applicable,  must  be  supplied  in  triplicate  and  include  a  list  of 
contents.  Any drawings must be supplied in appropriate scale and in sufficient  detail  on  size A4 
or on a folder of A4 format. Photographs, if any, must show sufficient  detail. 
If  the  systems,  components  or  separate  technical  units  have  electronic  controls,  information 
concerning their performance must be supplied. 

_ ^ _ __ 

0. 

0.1 

0.2 

GENERAL 

Make (trade name of manufacturer): 

Type and general commercial description(s): 

0.2.1 

Chassis: 

0.2.2 

Body: 

0.3 

Means of identification  of type, if marked on the vehicle (b): 

0.3.0.1 

Chassis: 

0.3.0.2 

Body: 

0.3.1 

Location of marking(s) : 

0.4 

0.5 

0.8 

0.9 

Category of vehicle (c): 

Name and address of  manufacturer: 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s) : 

EC type-approval number of body as separate technical unit: 

The item numbers  and  footnotes  used  in this  Information  Document  correspond  to those  set 
out in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC.  Items not relevant  for the purpose of this  Directive 
are omitted. 

79 

1. 

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEHICLE 

1.1 

1.2 

1.3 

Photographs and/or drawings of a representative vehicle: 

Dimensional drawing of the whole vehicle: 

Number of axles and wheels: 

1.3.1 

Number and position of twin-wheeled axles 

1.4 

1.5 

1.6 

1.7 

1.8 

2. 

2.1 

2.4 

Chassis (if any) (overall drawing): 

Material used for the side-members (d) : 

Position and arrangement of the engine: 

Driving cab (forward, or normal) (z): 

Hand of drive: 

MASSES AND DIMENSIONS (e) (in kg and mm) 
(Refer to drawing where applicable) 

Wheel base(s) (fully loaded) (f): 

Range of vehicle dimensions (overall) 

2.4.1 

For chassis without bodywork 

2.4.1.1 

Length (j): 

2.4.1.2  Width (k): 

2.4.1.2.1  Maximum width: 

2.4.1.3 

Height  (unladen)  (1)  (for  suspensions  adjustable  for  height,  indicate  normal 
running position): 

2.4.2 

For chassis with bodywork 

2.4.2.1 

Length (j): 

2.4.2.2  Width (k): 

2.4.2.3 

Height  (unladen)  (1)  (for  suspension  adjustable  for  height,  indicate  normal 
running position): 

2.4.2.4 

Position of centre of gravity of the laden vehicle in the longitudinal, transverse 
and vertical directions: 

80 

2.6 

2.6.1 

2.8 

2.8.1 

2.9 

9 

9.1 

13. 

Mass  of  the  vehicle  with  bodywork  in  running  order,  or  mass  of  the  chassis 
with  cab  if  the  manufacturer  does  not  fit  the  bodywork  (including  coolant, 
oils, fuel, tools, spare wheel and driver) (o) (maximum and minimum): 

Distribution  of this mass among the axles and,  in the case of a semi-trailer  or 
centre axle trailer, load on the coupling point (maximum and minimum): 

Technically  permissible  maximum  laden  mass  stated  by  the  manufacturer 
(maximum and minimum) (y): 

Distribution  of this  mass  along  the  axles  and,  in  the  case  of  a  semi-trailer  or 
centre-axle trailer, load on the coupling point (maximum and minimum): 

Technically  permissible  maximum  mass  on  each  axle,  and  in  the  case  of  a 
semi-trailer  or  centre-axle  trailer,. load  on  the  coupling  point,  stated  by 
the  manufacturer: 

BODYWORK 

Type of bodywork: 

SPECIAL  PROVISIONS  FOR  VEHICLES  USED  FOR  THE  CARRIAGE 
OF  PASSENGERS  COMPRISING  MORE  THAN  EIGHT  SEATS  IN 
ADDITION TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT 

13.1 

Class of vehicle (Class I, Class II, Class III, Class A, Class B): 

13 2 

Area for passengers (m  ) : 

13.2.1 

Total  (S0): 

13.2.1.1  Upper deck (Soa)-(1^ 

13.2.1.2  Lower  deck  (S0b):(1) 

13.2.2 

For standing passengers  (Si): 

13.3 

Number of passengers (seated  and standing) : 

13.3.1 

Total (N): 

13.3.2 

Upper deck  (Na):(1) 

13.3.3 

Lower deck (Nb):(1) 

13.4 

Number of passenger  seats: 

13.4.1 

Total (A): 

13.4.2 

Upper deck  (Aa):(1) 

81 

13.4.3 

Lower deck (Ab):(1) 

13.5 

13.6 

Number of service doors : 

Number  of  emergency  exits 
intercommunication staircase and half staircase): 

(doors,  windows, 

escape  hatches, 

13.6.1 

Total: 

13.6.2 

Upper deck:(D 

13.6.3 

Lower deck:(1) 

13.7 

13.8 

13.9 

Volume of luggage compartments :  m3 

Area for luggage transportation on the roof: 

m2 

Technical  devices 
lifting platform, kneeling system), if  fitted: 

facilitating 

the  access 

to  vehicles 

(e.g. 

ramp, 

13.10 

SUPERSTRUCTURE STRENGTH 

13.10.1  Detailed  description  of  the  superstructure  of  the  vehicle  type  including  its 
dimensions, configuration  and constituent  materials and its attachment  to any 
chassis  frame. 

13.10.2  Drawings of the vehicle and those parts of its interior arrangement which have 

an influence on the strength of the superstructure or on the residual space. 

13.10.3 

Position  of  centre  of  gravity  of  the  unladen  vehicle  in  the  longitudinal, 
transverse and vertical directions: 

13.10.4  Maximum distance between the centre lines of the outboard passenger seats. 

82 

ANNEX II 

Appendix 2 

Sub-Appendix 1 

M O D EL 
(maximum format:  A4 (210 x 297 mm)) 

EC TYPE-APPRO VAL CERTIFICATE 

STAMP OF  ADMINISTRATION 

Communication concerning the 

type-approval'1) 
extension of type-approval'1' 
refusal  of type-approvalO) 
withdrawal of type-approval'1' 

of  a 
type  of  a  vehicle/component/separate 
Directive  ..../.../EC,  as last amended by Directive ..../.../EC 

technical  unit^1'  with 

regard 

to 

Type-approval  number: 

Reason for  extension: 

SECTION I 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

Make (trade name of manufacturer) : 

Type and general commercial description(s): 

Means of identification  of type if marked on the 
vehicle/component/separate  technical unit t1) v2): 

0.3.1 

Location  of that marking: 

( ,) 
& 

Delete where not applicable. 
If the means of identification  of type contains characters  not relevant to describe the vehicle, 
component  or  separate  technical  unit  types  covered  by  this  type-approval  certificate  such 
characters  shall  be represented  in the documentation by the symbol:"?" (e.g. ABC?? 123??). 

83 

Category of vehicle^3)1 

-  -

Name and address of  manufacturer: 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s): 

0.4 

0.5 

0.8 

SECTION II 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

1. 

1.1. 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.4.1 

1.4.2 

1.4.3 

Additional information  (where applicable):  See Addendum 

Technical service responsible for carrying out the tests: 

Date of test report: 

Number of test report: 

Remarks (if any): See Addendum 

Place: 

Date: 

Signature: 

The  index  to  the  information  package  lodged  with  the  approval  authority, 
wliich may be obtained on request, is attached. 

ADDENDUM 

to EC type-approval  certificate  no 

concerning the type-approval  of a vehicle with regard to 
Directive .../.../EEC as last amended by Directive  .../.../... 

Additional  information 

Category of vehicle (M2, M3 )(1 ) : 

Bodywork concept (single/double deck, articulated,  low-floor)'1): 

Technically permissible maximum mass (kg): 

Number of passengers (seated and standing): 

Total (N): 

Upper deck  (Na)0): 

Lower deck (Nb)(!): 

<3) 

As defined  in Annex II A to Directive 70/156/EEC. 

84 

1.4.4 

Number of passengers seated: 

1.4.4.1 

Total (A): 

1.4.4.2 

Upper deck (A^O): 

1.4.4.3 

Lower deck (Ab)(0: 

1.5 

1.6 

1.7 

5. 

Mass of luggage (compartment/roof) (kg) : 

Technical  devices  facilitating  access  to  buses  (ramp,  lifting  platform, 
kneeling-system): 

Position  of  centre  of  gravity  of  the  laden  vehicle  in  the  longitudinal, 
transverse and vertical directions: 

Remarks  (including  mention  if  the  vehicle  benefits  of  the  derogation  in 
Article 3)): 

85 

ANNEX II 

Appendix 2 

Sub-Appendix 2 

M O D EL 
(maximum format:  A4 (210 x 297 mm)) 

EC TYPE-APPROVAL  CERTIFICATE 

STAMP OF ADMINISTRATION1! 

Communication  concerning the 

-  type-approval  '  ) 
-  extension  of type-approval  v1' 
-  refusal  of type-approval  (1) 
- withdrawal  of type-approval  w 

of  a  type  of  a  vehicle/component/separate  technical  unit^1'  with  regard  to  Directive 
..../.../EC,  as last  amended  by Directive  ..../.../EC 

Type-approval  number: 

Reason  for  extension: 

SECTION  I 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

Make  (trade  name  of  manufacturer): 

Type and general  commercial  description(s): 

Means  of identification  of type if marked  on the 

vehicle/component/separate  technical  unit  (W2): 

0.3.1 

Location  of that  marking: 

0.4 

(!) 
(2) 

Category  of vehicle  '3): 

Delete where not applicable. 

If  the  means  of  identification  of  type  contains  characters  not  relevant  to  describe  the 
vehicle,  component  or  separate  technical  unit  types  covered  by  this 
type-approval 
certificate  such  characters  shall  be  represented  in  the  documentation  by  the  symbol:"?'' 
(e.g.  ABC??123??). 

(3) 

As defined  in Annex  II A to Directive  70/156/EEC. 

86 

0.5 

0.7 

Name and address of manufacturer: 

In the case of components and separate technical units, location and method 

of affixing of the EC approval mark: 

0.8 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s) : 

SECTION II 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 
9. 

1. 

1.1. 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.4.1 

1.4.2 

1.4.3 

Additional information (where applicable): See Addendum 

Technical service responsible for carrying out the tests: 

Date of test report: 

Number of test report: 

Remarks (if any): See Addendum 

Place: 

Date: 

Signature: 
The  index to  the  information  package  lodged  with  the  approval  authority, 
which may be obtained on request, is attached. 

ADDENDUM 

to EC type-approval certificate no 

concerning the type-approval of a vehicle with regard to 
Directive .../.../EEC as last amended by Directive .../.../... 

Additional information 

Category of vehicle where the body can be installed (M2, M3 )'1 ) : 

Bodywork concept (single/double deck, articulated,  low-floor/1): 

Chassis type(s) where the body can be installed: 

Number of passengers (seated and standing): 

Total (N): 

Upper deck (Na)(0: 

Lower deck (Nb)(0: 

87 

1.4.4 

Number of passengers seated: 

1.4.4.1 

Total (A): 

1.4.4.2 

Upper deck (A^O): 

1.4.43 

Lower deck (Ab)(0: 

1.5 

1.6 

5. 

Mass of luggage (compartment/roof) (kg) : 

Technical  devices  facilitating  access  to  buses  (ramp,  lifting  platform, 
kneeling-system): 

Remarks  (including  mention  if  the  body  benefits  of  the  derogation  in 
Article 3)): 

88 

ANNEX II 

Appendix 2 

.  Sub-Appendix 3 

M O D EL 
(maximum format:  A4 (210 x 297 mm)) 

EC TYPE-APPRO VAL CERTIFICATE 

STAMP OF ADMINISTRATION 

Communication  concerning the 

type-approval^1) 
extension of type-approval ^ 
refusal  of type-approvaK1) 
withdrawal of type-approval ^ 

of  a 
type  of  a  vehicle/component/separate 
Directive  ..../.../EC,  as last amended by Directive ..../.../EC 

technical  unit'1)  with 

regard 

to 

Type-approval  number: 

Reason for  extension: 

SECTION I 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

Make (trade name of manufacturer): 

Type and general commercial description(s): 

Means of identification  of type if marked on the 

vehicle/component/separate  technical  unit'1)'2): 

0.3.1 

Location of that marking: 

0.4 

0.5 

(° 
(2) 

<31 

Category of vehicle'3)1 

Name and address of  manufacturer: 

Delete where not applicable. 
If the means of identification  of type contains characters not relevant to describe the vehicle, 
component  or  separate  technical  unit  types  covered  by  this  type-approval  certificate  such 
characters  shall be represented in the documentation by the symbol:"?" (e.g. ABC??123??). 
As  defined  in Annex  II A to  Directive  70/156/EEC. 

89 

0.8 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s): 

SECTION II 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

1. 

1.1. 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.4.1 

1.4.2 

1.4.3 

1.4.4 

Additional information  (where applicable): See Addendum 

Technical service responsible for carrying out the tests: 

Date of test report: 

Number of test report : 

Remarks (if any): See Addendum 

Place: 

Date: 

Signature: 

The  index  to  the  information  package  lodged  with  the  approval  authority, 
which may be obtained on request, is attached. 

ADDENDUM 

to EC type-approval certificate  no 

concerning the type-approval of a vehicle with regard to 
Directive  .../.../EEC as last amended by Directive  .../.../... 

Additional  information 

Category of vehicle (M2, M3)0): 

Bodywork concept (single/double deck, articulated,  low-floor)'1); 

Technically permissible maximum mass (kg): 

Number of passengers (seated and standing): 

Total (N): 

Upper deck  (Na)0): 

Lower deck (N^C1): 

Number of passengers  seated: 

1.4.4.1 

Total (A): 

1.4.4.2 

Upper deck  (Aa)0): 

90 

1.4.4.3 

Lower deck (A^O): 

1.5 

1.6 

1.7 

5. 

Mass of luggage (compartment/roof) (kg) : 

Technical  devices  facilitating  access  to  buses  (ramp,  lifting  platform, 
kneeling-system): 

Position  of  centre  of  gravity  of  the  laden  vehicle  in  the  longitudinal, 
transverse and vertical directions: 

Remarks  (including  mention  if  the  vehicle  benefits  of  the  derogation  in 
Article 3)): 

91 

ANNEX II 

Appendix 2 

Sub-Appendix 4 

M O D EL 
(maximum format: A4 (210 x 297 mm)) 

EC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE 

STAMP OF ADMINISTRATION 

Communication concerning the 

type-approval^1) 
extension of type-approval ^ 
refusal of type-approval(l) 
withdrawal of type-approval^ 

*-

type  of  a  vehicle/component/separate 
of  a 
Directive ..../.../EC, as last amended by Directive ..../.../EC 

technical  unit^  with  regard 

to 

Type-approval number: 

Reason for extension: 

SECTION I 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

Make (trade name of manufacturer) : 

Type and general commercial description(s): 

Means of identification  of type if marked on the 

vehicle/component/separate technical unit'1)(2): 

0.3.1 

Location of that marking : 

0.4 

0.5 

(° 
(21 

<3) 

Category of vehicle'3): 

Name and address of manufacturer: 

Delete where not applicable. 
If the means of identification  of type contains characters not relevant to describe the vehicle, 
component  or  separate  technical  unit  types  covered  by  this  type-approval  certificate  such 
characters  shall be represented in the documentation by the symbol:"?" (e.g. ABC??123??). 
As defined  in Annex II A to Directive 70/156/EEC. 

92 

0.7 

In the case of components  and separate technical  units,  location  and  method 

of affixing  of the EC approval mark: 

0.8 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s) : 

SECTION n 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

1. 

1.1. 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.5 

1.6 

1.6.1 

Additional information  (where applicable): See Addendum 

Technical  service responsible for  carrying out the tests: 

Date of" test report : 

Number of test  report: 

Remarks (if any): See Addendum 

Place: 

Date: 

Signature: 

The  index  to  the  information  package  lodged  with  the  approval  authority, 
which may be obtained on request, is attached. 

ADDENDUM 

to EC type-approval certificate  no 

concerning the type-approval  of a superstructure  with regard  to 
Directive  .../.../EEC as last amended by Directive  .../.../... 

Additional  information 

Category of vehicle where the superstructure  can be installed (M2, M3)v1); 

Bodywork  concept  (single/double deck, articulated,  low-floor)'1): 

Brief  description  of 
configuration  and  constituent  materials  and 
chassis frame 

the  superstructure 

type 

including  dimensions, 
to  any 

its  attachment 

Chassis type(s) where the superstructure  can be installed: 

The  position  of  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  unladen  superstructure  in  the 
longitudinal, traverse and vertical directions. 

Number of passengers (seated and standing): 

Total (N): 

93 

1.6.2 

Number of passengers seated: 

5. 

Remarks: 

94 

ANNEX HI 

EXPLANATORY  DIAGRAMS 

Figure  1 

Access to service doors 
(see paragraph 7.7.1) 

66cm • 

•40cm-

1^ 

LI 

alternative 

A=  110.cm Classes I, II & III 
A = 95 cm Classes A & B 

Number of  passengers 
Classes 
Dimension  A (cm) 
Total  height of dual  panel 

<  22 

A 
95 
165 

B 
70 
140 

I 
110 
180 

> 2 2* 
II 
95 
165 

III 
85 
155 

(*)  See the respective  footnote  in paragraph  7.7.1.1 

95 

ANNEX III 

Figure 2 

Access to service doors 
(see paragraph  7.7.1.4) 

Panel 

Dual  panel 

96 

ANNEX III 

Figure 3 

Determination  of unobstructed  access to door 
(see paragraph  7.7.1.10.1) 

D  = 22 cm  Min. 

B = 50 cm  max. 

Figure 4 

Determination  of unobstructed  access to door 
(see paragraph  7.7.1.10.2) 

T 

120  can 
Tcçax 

V 

/

/

// 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

j 

/ 

/ 

j 

j 

97 

ANNEX III 

Figure 5 

Access to emergency  doors 
(see paragraph  7.7.2) 

•55cm 

•55cm 

•55cm—"-

£ 
o 
o 

£ 
o 
o 

030cm -t— 

•30cm 

• 30cm 

T 

£ 
o 
o 

1  L 

ANNEX III 

Figure 6 

Gangways 
see paragraph  7.7.5) 

i  50  a 

pa 

Classes 

Dimensions 
(cm) 

A 
C 
B 
H 

A 
35 
55 
50* 
190* 

B 
30 
45 
30 
150 

1 
45 
55 
50* 
190* 

II 
35 
55 
50* 
190* 

111 
30 
45 
50* 
190* 

See the  respective  footnote  ("*")  111  paragraph  7.7.5.1 

99 

ANNEX III 

Figure 7 

Forward  limitation  of the gangway 
(see paragraph  7.7.5.1.1.1) 

45  cm 

i 

i  2  era 

h 

m 

L 

O 
o 

30  cm 

mjo-; 

PAHEL 

. 

7-TT"' 

CYLIHDRICAI.  CMXCZ  { .( 

j 

i-  j  -  ^ 

cm 

(I 

1 

100 

ANNEX III 

Figure 8 

Steps for  passengers 
(see paragraph  7.7.7) 

10cm  max  * 

- 2 0 cm  min 

LU 

D =  Height above  the  ground, vehicle  unladen. 

Note: 

1.  At a double doorway the steps in each half of the access 

passage  shall  be treated  separately. 
2.  E need  not be the same for each step. 

HEIGHT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL, VEHICLE  UNLADEN 

First  step 
from  ground 

Other  steps 

Classes 
Max. height D 
Min. depth F 
Max. height E 
Min. height E 
Min. depth 

I, II & A 
32(*) 
30(*) 
25(*) 
12 
20 

III&B 
36(*) 
30(*) 
35(*) 
12 
20 

See the  respective  footnotes  ("*") in paragraph  7.7.7.1 

101 

ANNEX III 

Figure 9 

Dimensions of passenger  seats 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.1) 

Individual  seat 

Continuous seat 

F (cm) min 
20* 

continuous  seats 
22.5 

Individual  seats 
25 

G (cm)  min 

* 22.5 for Class III 

102 

ANNEX III 

Figure 9 bis 

Dimensions  of passenger  seats for vehicles  referred  to in article 4 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.1  bis) 

G  H  -  G 

H-G-

—  G-

•G 

•  !  •  G-

E 
o 

CD 

o 
cv 

— F-

y—  i—-\-r 
f—F  •  '-  F—j  — 

•F  — 

Individual  seat 

Continuous  seat 

F  (cm)  min 
20 

continuous  seats 
20 

Individual  seats 
20 

G  (cm)  min 

103 

ANNEX III 

Figure 10 

Permitted  intrusion  at shoulder  height 
Transversal  section  of the minimum  available space at shoulder  height 
for a seat adjacent  to the wall of the vehicle 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.1.2.3) 

J : C= 

ir -
. 
\ 

Î 

| ,o 

Vehicle  exterior 

. 

'  1 

• 

G 

i  G 
I 

-un 

€ 

\ 

• 

• 

-

-

i 

Highest  level 
of the  undepressed 
seat  cushion 

Centre-line 
of the  seating 
position 

G =- 22.5 if continuous seat 
G =  25 cm  if individual  seat 
G  =  20  cm  in  vehicles  with 

less  than  22 

passengers  or less than  2.3  m wide 

104 

ANNEX III 

Figure 

Seat-cushion depth 
(see paragraph 7.7.8.2 & 7.7.8.3) 

h = 40-50 cm (*) 

k =  3 5 c m m i n . ( * *) 

*/ 35 cm at wheel arches and engine compartment 
^7  40 cm  in vehicles of Classes II & III 

105 

ANNEX III 

Figure 12 

Seat spacing 
(see paragraph 7.7.8.4) 

30cm  min. 

n 

r 

I 

Classes I, A &B 
Class II 
Class HI 

H 
65 cm 
68 cm  ~ 
75 cm 

106 

ANNEX III 

Figure  12 his 

Seat spacing 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.4.1  bis) 

65* c±i 

Figure  12 ter 

Seat spacing 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.4.1  bis) 

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

// 

1 07 

ANNEX III 

Figure 13 

Space for seated  passengers 
(See paragraph  7.7.8.5) 

108 

ANNEX HI 

Figure  14 

Permitted  intrusion  into space above seat 

Transversal  section  of the minimum  free  space above a seating 
place adjacent  to the wall of the vehicle 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.6.3.1 ) 

10 
I f f fl 

! T 

=11 

Vehicle 
ex t eric: 

20 

I  20co 

| 

o 
o 

Highest level 
of lie', 
undepressed 
seat cushion 

?mztmmmmws. 

<r 

C c r . t r c - Vy 
cf  the  cc£tir^s-
p o r i t i c r. 

109 

ANNEX  III 

Figure  15 

Figure  16 

PERMITTED  INTRUSION  OF 
A STRUCTURAL  MEMBER 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.6.3.2) 

PERMITTED  INTRUSION  OF  A  CONDUCT 

(see paragraph  7.7.8.6.3.3) 

10cm 

^ 

^ 

S 
o 
o 
CO 

1 

- 5 cm 

Highest  point  of  an  uncompressed  seat  cushion 

110 

ANNEX III 

Figure  17 

Permitted  intrusion at rear corner seats 
View of the prescribed  area of the seat (two side seats at the rear) 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.6.3.4) 

111 

ANNEX III 

Figure 18 

Permitted  intrusion  of a wheel arch  not extending  beyond  the 
"  vertical centre  line of the side seat 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.6.4.2.1) 

a r e s t r i c t ej 

^ 

y  y  y  y  y  y  y  yy 

y  y  y  y  y  y  y  yyy 

y  y 

yyy  y  y  y  J  y  y\ 

)y  y  y  y  y  yy 

112 

ANNEX III 

Figure  19 

Permitted  intrusion  of a wheel arch extending  beyond 
the vertical  centre  line of the side seat 
(see paragraph  7.7.8.6.4.2.2) 

U rr 

K 

Outside 
x  Of 
svehicle 
\ 

\ 
\ 
\ 
\ 

T T s T V\ 

y y y y /

/ y y y y y y y y yy 

'  /  y  y 

y/y/y/ 

y  y 

'yyy  y  y  y  y  y  y 

ANNEX III 

Figure 20 

Testing device for siting of handholds 
(see  paragraph  7.11.2.1 ) 

114 

ANNEX III 

Figure 21 

Reference  wheelchair 
(see paragraph  7.12.5) 

KEY 

A - 2  r e ar  wheels  w i th  6 x e d " a x is 

B  -  1 front  wheel  pivoLable 

115 

ANNEX III 

Figure 22 
(see  paragraph's 7.13 & 7.13.1) 

Pictograms for wheelchair  users (22 a I 

Q'^A'-n:^^^VZ!:Vl^h?^<^il-V"-N-ij 

Pictogram  for  passengers  with  reduced  mobility others than  wheelchair  user: 

116 

ANNEX IV 

STRENGTH OF  SUPERSTRUCTURE 

1. 

Scope 

This Annex applies to all single deck Class II and III vehicles. 

2. 

Definitions 

For the purposes of this Annex: 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

"Residual  space" means the space to be preserved  in the passenger  compartment 
during and  after  the structure has been subjected  to  one of the test  prescribed  in 
this Annex. 

"Superstructure"  means  the  part  of  a  vehicle  structure  which  contribute  to  the 
strength of the vehicle in the event of a roll-over  accident. 

"Body  section"  means  a  section  containing  at  least  two  identical  vertical  pillars 
on each side representative of a part or parts of the structure of the vehicle. 

"Total  energy"  means  the  energy  assumed  to  be  absorbed  by  the  complete 
structure of the vehicle. This may be determinated as shown in this Annex. 

3. 

General  specifications  and  requirements 

If  the  superstructure  has  obtained  the  approval  conform  to  the  Regulation 
UN-ECE N°66 of the Economic  Commission  for Europe, it is considered  that it 
complies with these general specifications  and requirements. 

3.1 

The  superstructure  of  the  vehicle  shall  be  of  sufficient  strength  to  ensure  that 
during and after  it has been subjected to one of the methods of test or calculation 
prescribed in paragraph 4: 

3.1.1 

no  displaced  part  of the  vehicle  intrudes  into  the  residual  space,  as  specified  in 
paragraph  5, and 

3.1.2 

no part  of the residual space projects outside the deformed  structure. 

3.2 

The requirements  of paragraph  3.1  above  shall apply to the vehicle including all 
its  structural  parts,  members  and  panels  and  all  projecting  rigid  parts  such  as 
luggage  racks, ventilation  equipment,  etc. However,  bulkheads,  partitions,  rings 
or  other  members  reinforcing  the  superstructure  of  the  vehicle  and  fixed 
appliances, such as bars, kitchenettes or toilets, shall be ignored for the  purposes 
of paragraph 3.1. 

3.3 

In the Gase of an articulated vehicle each part of the vehicle shall comply with the 
requirements specified  in paragraph 3.1 above. 

17 

4. 

4.1 

4.1.1 

4.1.2 

Test  methods 

Each type of vehicle shall be verified  according to  one of the following  methods 
at  the  discretion  of  the  manufacturer  or  according  to  an  alternative  method 
approved by the competent  authority: 

à roll-over test on a complete vehicle in accordance with the procedure set out in 
Appendix  1; 

a roll-over test on a body section or sections representative of a complete vehicle 
in accordance with Appendix 2; 

4.1.3 

a pendulum test on a body section or sections in accordance with Appendix 3; or 

4.1.4 

a  verification  of  strength  of  superstructure  by  calculation  in  accordance  with 
Appendix 4. 

4.2 

5. 

5.1 

5.2 

6. 

6.1 

If  the  methods  prescribed  in  paragraphs  4.1.2,  4.1.3  or  4.1.4  cannot  take 
account  of a significant  variation between one section of the vehicle and another, 
for  example  an air-conditioning  installation  on  the  roof,  additional  test  methods 
or calculations  shall be submitted to the technical  service. In the absence of such 
additional information  the vehicle may be required to undergo the method of test 
prescribed in paragraph  4.1.1. 

Residual  space 

For  the  purpose  of  paragraph  2.1, the  residual  space  means  the  volume  within 
the  passenger  compartment  which  is  swept  when  the  transverse  vertical  plane 
defined  in figure 1 (a) is moved in a straight  line or lines so that the point  "R" in 
figure  1 (a)  passes  from  the  "R"  point  of  the  rearmost  outer  seat,  through  the 
"R" point of every intermediate outer seat to the  "R" point of the foremost  outer 
passenger seats. 

The position  of the  "R" point  shown in figure  1 (b)  shall be assumed  to  be  500 
mm above the floor under the  passengers' feet,  300  mm from  the inside  surface 
of the  side of the vehicle and  100 mm in front  of the  seat back in the centre line 
of the outboard seats. 

Interpretation  of test  results 

If body  sections  are tested,  the technical  service  responsible  for  conducting  the 
test  shall  ensure  that  the  vehicle  complies  with  the  conditions  specified  in 
Sub-Appendix 2 of Appendix 3, which contains requirements for the distribution 
of the main energy absorbing parts of the superstructure of a vehicle. 

118 

Figure I 

Residual  space 

(All dimensions  in millimetres) 

1 (a)  LATERALLY 

Templates to be 
fixed on the floor 
of the vehicle 

119 

(b)  LONGITUDINALLY  -  Section  A-A  of  the  vehicle  in  the  vertical  plane  oï  the  centre 

line of the inboard seats. 

The  foremost passengeri 
seat of the vehicle " 

Note  : See  requirement  of paragraph  5.2 

120 

Appendix 1 

Roll-over test on a complete vehicle 

1. 

1.1 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.5 

1.6 

2. 

2.1 

2.2 

Test condition 

While  the  vehicle  need  not  be  in  a  fully  finished  condition,  it  shall  be 
representative of production vehicles in respect  of unladen kerb mass, centre  of 
gravity and distribution of mass as declared by the manufacturer. 

Driver and passenger seats shall be placed with their backs, if adjustable, in their 
most  upright  position.  The  height  of  the  seats,  if  adjustable,  shall  be  in  the 
highest position. 

Every door and opening window of the vehicle  shall be closed  and latched but 
not  locked.  Windows  and  glazed  bulkheads  or  screens  may  be  glazed  or 
unglazed at the applicant's discretion. If they are unglazed,  an equivalent weight 
shall be imposed on the vehicle at the appropriate positions. 

Tyres  shall  be  inflated  to  the  pressure  prescribed  by  the  vehicle  manufacturer 
and, if the vehicle has an air-spring suspension  system, the air supply to the air 
spring shall be ensured. Any automatic levelling system shall be adjusted with the 
vehicle  on  a flat, horizontal  surface  to  the  level  specified  by the  manufacturer. 
Shock absorbers shall operate normally. 

Fuel,  battery  acid  and other  combustible,  explosive  or corrosive  materials may 
be  substituted  by  other  materials,  provided  that  the  conditions  prescribed  in 
paragraph  1.1 above are met. 

The impact area shall consist of concrete or other rigid material. 

Test procedure (See figure 1) 

The vehicle shall be placed on a platform in order to be rolled over on one side. 
This side shall be specified by the manufacturer. 

The position of the vehicle on the platform shall be such that when the platform 
is horizontal: 

2.2.1 

the axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, 

2.2.2 

the axis of rotation is 0 - 200 mm from the vertical step between the two levels, 

2.2.3 

the axis of rotation is 0 -  100 mm from the side of the tyre at the widest axle, 

2.2.4 

2.2.5 

the axis of rotation is 0 -  100 mm below the horizontal  starting plane on which 
the tyres stand, and 

the  difference  between  the  height  of  the  horizontal  starting  plane  and  the 
horizontal  lower  plane  on  which  impact  takes  place  shall  be  not  less  than 
800 mm. 

121 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

2.7 

Means  shall  be  provided 
longitudinal axis. 

to  prevent 

the  vehicle  moving  along " its 

The test apparatus shall prevent the tyres from sliding sideways in the direction 
of roll-over by means of side walls. 

The  test  apparatus  shall  ensure  the  simultaneous  lifting  of  the  axles  of 
the vehicle. 

The vehicle shall be tilted without rocking and without  dynamic effects  until its 
rolls  over.  The  angular  velocity  shall  not  exceed  5  degrees  per  second 
(0.087 rad/sec). 

High-speed photography,  deformable templates or other suitable means shall be 
used to determine that the requirement of paragraph 3.1 of this Annex has been 
met. This shall be verified  at not less"than two positions, nominally at the  front 
and  rear  of  the  passenger  compartment,  the  exact  positions  being  at  the 
discretion of the technical service. Templates shall be fixed to substantially non-
deformable parts of the structure. 

122 

Figure 1 

123 

Appendix 2 

Roll-over test on a body section 

1. 

1.1 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.5 

1.6 

2. 

2.1 

Test  conditions 

The body section shall represent a section of the unladen vehicle. 

The  geometry  of the  body  section,  the  axis  of  rotation  and  the  position  of  the 
centre  of  gravity  in the  vertical  and  lateral  directions  shall  be  representative  of 
the complete vehicle. 

The  mass  of  the  body  section,  expressed  as  a  percentage  of  the  unladen  kerb 
mass of the vehicle, shall be specified by the  manufacturer. 

The energy to be absorbed by the body section, expressed  as a percentage of the 
total  energy which would  be  absorbed  by a complete  vehicle,  shall be  specified 
by the  manufacturer. 

The percentage of total  energy described  in paragraph  1.4  shall not  be less than 
the percentage of total kerb mass described in paragraph  1.3. 

The  test  conditions  specified 
paragraphs 2.1 to 2.6 of Appendix 3 shall apply. 

in  paragraph  1.6  of  Appendix  1  and  in 

Test  procedure 

The test  procedure  shall be the  same as the procedure  described  in Appendix  1, 
except  that  the  body  section  described  above  shall  be  used  instead  of  a 
complete vehicle. 

124 

Appendix 3 

Pendulum test on a body section 

1. 

1.1 

1.2 

2. 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

2.7 

Energy level and direction of impact 

The energy to be transmitted to a particular body section shall be the sum of the 
energies  declared  by  the  manufacturer  to  be  allocated  to  each  of  the  cross-
sectional rings included in that particular body section. 

The  appropriate  proportion  of  the  energy  prescribed  in  Sub-Appendix  1  to 
this Appendix  shall  be  applied  to  the  body  section  by the  pendulum  such that 
at the  moment  of  impact  the  direction  of  motion  of  the  pendulum  makes  an 
angle of  25  degrees  (+ 0°; -  5°)  to  the  central  longitudinal  vertical  plane  of 
the body  section.  The  precise  angle within  this  range  shall  be  specified  by the 
vehicle manufacturer. 

Test conditions 

A  sufficient  number  of  tests  shall  be  carried  out  for  the  technical  service 
conducting the test to be satisfied that the requirement specified in paragraph 3.1 
of this Annex has been met. 

For  the  purposes  of  the  test,  body  sections  shall  have  sections  of  the  normal 
structure fitted between the pillars in relation to the floor,  underframe,  sides and 
roof.  Sections  of  such  paragraphs  as  luggage  racks,  ventilation  ducting  etc., 
where fitted, shall also be included. 

Every door and opening window of the body section shall be closed and latched 
but  not  locked.  Windows  and  glazed  bulkheads  or  screens  may  be  glazed  or 
unglazed at the applicant's discretion. 

Where  appropriate,  seats  may  also  be  included,  at  the  option  of  the 
manufacturer,  in their normal positions  in relation to  the  structure  of the body 
section.  The  normal  fixings  and joints  between  all  members  and  attachments 
shall  be  incorporated.  The backrests  if adjustable  shall be in their most upright 
position and the height of the seats, if adjustable, shall be in the highest position. 

The  side  of  the  body  section  to  be  impacted  shall  be  at  the  discretion  of the 
manufacturer.  Where more than one body  section  is required to  be tested,  both 
shall be impacted on the same side. 

High speed photography,  deformable templates or other suitable means shall be 
used to  determine that the requirement  specified  in paragraph 3.1  of this Annex 
has been met.  Templates shall be fixed to a substantially non-deformable  part of 
the structure. 

The  body  section  to  be  tested  shall  be  firmly  and  securely  attached  to  the 
mounting frame through the cross-bearers or parts which replace these in such a 
way  that  no  significant  energy  is  absorbed  in  the  support  frame  and  its 
attachments during the impact. 

125 

2.8 

3. 

3.1 

3.2 

The  pendulum  shall  be  released  from  such  a  height  that  it  strikes  the-body 
section at a speed of between 3 and 8 m/s. 

Description of the pendulum 

The striking face of the pendulum shall be made of steel, or plywood 20 mm ± 5 
mm thick,  and the mass of the pendulum shall be evenly distributed.  Its striking 
face shall be rectangular and flat, having a width of not less than the width of the 
body section being tested and a height of not less than 800 mm. Its edges shall 
be rounded to a radius of curvature of not less than 15 mm. 

The body of the pendulum shall be rigidly attached to two rigid bars. The axis of 
the bars shall be not less than 3,500  mm from the geometric centre of the body 
of the pendulum. 

126 

Appendix 3 - Sub-appendix 

Calculation of total energy (E*) 

: ' IT  2 

- > \ o ^^ 

yyçy^sx^ 

Assumptions : 

1. 

2. 

;,. 

The  shape of the cross-section  of the body  is assumed  to be  rectangular. 

The suspension  system  is assumed  to be rigidly  fixed. 

Ihc  movement of the body section  is assumed  to be pure  rotation  about  point  "A' 

127 

Calculation of total energy (E*) 

If the fall of the centre of gravity (h) is determined by graphical methods, 

E* may be taken to be given by the formula : 

E* = 0.75M.g.h.  (Nm) 

Alternatively, E* may be calculated by the formula : 

E*=0J5M.g. 

(™)>+Hs

2 

2-™-JH2-0.S2 
s  2Hy 

+ 0 . 8^  (Nm) 

H 

where : 

M  = the unladen kerb mass of the vehicle (kg) 

. g  =9.8  m/s2 

W  = the overall width of the vehicle (m) 

Hs  = the height of the centre of gravity of the unladen vehicle (m) 

H  = the height of the vehicle (m) 

128 

Appendix 3 - Sub-appendix 2 

Requirements for the distribution of the main energy absorbing parts of the superstructure 

1. 

A sufficient  number of tests shall be carried out for the technical  service to be satisfied 

that the complete vehicle meets the requirements of paragraph 3.1  of this Annex. This 

shall not necessarily require more than one test. 

2. 

Calculations  based  on  data  obtained  from  a  test  on  a  body  section  may  be  used  to 

demonstrate  the  acceptability  of  another body  section  which  is  not  identical  with the 

body section already tested if it has many structural features in common with it. 

3. 

The  manufacturer  shall  declare  which  pillars  of  the  superstructure  are considered  as 

contributing to its strength and shall  also declare  the amount  of energy  (Ej) that each 

pillar is intended to absorb. These declarations shall meet the following criteria : 

(1) 

i=m 
V  £.  > E * 
«=i 

Where m is the total number of declared pillars 

(2) (a) 

V  EiF  >0AE*  Where n is the number of declared pillars forward  of  the centre of 

i =i 

I=P 

gravity of the vehicle 

(b) 

jT  Em  > 0.4 E *  Where p is the number of  declared  pillars to the rear of  the centre 

of gravity of the vehicle 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

L ^ O . 4 /, 

^ > 0 . 4 /r 

d 
-Jm-  < 25 

min 

This  shall  apply  only  where  dm ax  is  greater than  0.8  x  maximum 

deflection permitted without intrusion of the residual space. 

where 

Ej 

is  the  declared  amount  of  energy  that  can  be  absorbed  by  itft  pillar  of  the 
superstructure. 

Ejp 

EJR 

is the declared amount of energy that can be absorbed by the itn pillar forward 
of the centre of gravity of the vehicle. 

is  the declared  amount of  energy  that can be  absorbed  by the  itn  pillar to the 
rear of the centre of gravity of the vehicle. 

E* 

is the total energy to be absorbed by the complete structure of the vehicle. 

129 

dm ax  is the greatest amount of deflection  measured in the direction  of impact of any 

section  of  the body  structure  after  it  has  absorbed  its  own  declared  impact 

energy. 

dmin  is the least  amount  of deflection,  measured  in the direction  of  impact  and at 

the same point on the bay as dm a x, of any  section of the body  structure  after it 

has absorbed its own declared impact energy. 

LF

  =J=17^ 

=  Weighted  mean  distance  of  the  declared  pillars  in  front  of  the  centre  of 

gravity of the vehicle. 

LR^-**— 
1£« 

=  Weighted  mean  distance  of the declared  pillars  to the rear  of the centre of 

gravity of the vehicle 

where 

ljf 

is the distance from  the centre of gravity of the vehicle of the im  pillar  forward 

of the centre of gravity. 

*ir 

is  the  distance  from  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  vehicle  of  the  itn  pillar 

rearward of the centre of gravity. 

is  the  distance  of  the  front  of  the  vehicle  from  the  centre  of  gravity  of the 

vehicle. 

is  the  distance  of  the  rear  of  the  vehicle  from  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the 

vehicle. 

(Bus picture) 

130 

Appendix 4 

Verification  of strength of superstructure by calculation 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

4.1 

4.2 

A  superstructure  or  sections  of  a  superstructure  may  be  shown  to  meet  the 
requirement  specified  in  paragraph  3.1  of  this  Annex  by  a  calculation  method 
approved by the technical  service responsible for conducting the tests. 

If the structure  is likely to be subject  to  deformations  beyond  the  elastic limit  of 
the  materials  used,  then  the  calculations  shall  simulate  the  behaviour  of  the 
structure when undergoing large plastic deformations. 

The technical service responsible for  conducting the tests may require tests to be 
carried  out  on joints  or  parts of the  structure to  verify  the  assumptions  made in 
the calculation. 

Preparations for  calculation 

Calculations  cannot  be  started  until  the  structure  has  been  analysed  and  a 
mathematical  model  of it produced.  This will  define  the  separate members to  be 
considered  and  identify  the  points  at  which  plastic  hinges  may  develop.  The 
dimensions  of the  members  and  the  properties  of  material  used  must  be  stated. 
Physical tests must be made on the hinge points to determine the force  (moment 
of  rotation)-deformation  characteristics  in  the  plastic  mode  as  this  is  essential 
data for the calculations. The strain rate and the dynamic yield  stress  appropriate 
for this strain rate must be determined.  If the calculation method will not  indicate 
when  a  significant  fracture  will  occur,  it  will  be  essential  to  determine,  by 
experiment,  separate  analyses  or  appropriate  dynamic  distribution.  Distribution 
of loading along the length of a vehicle shall be stated. 

The calculation  method  shall include the  deformations  up to  the  elastic limits of 
the materials followed  by the identification  of where plastic hinges will form  and 
the  subsequent  formation  of  other  plastic  hinges  unless  the  position  and 
sequences of formation  of plastic hinges is known from previous experience.  The 
method  shall  accommodate  the  changes  of  geometry  of  the  structure  that  take 
place, at least up to the stage where the deformations  have passed the  acceptable 
limits.  The  calculations  shall  simulate  the  energy  and  the  direction  of  impact 
which would  occur  if that  particular  superstructure  were to  be  submitted  to  the 
roll-over  tests  prescribed  in Appendix  1. The validity  of the  calculation  method 
shall  have  been  established  by  comparison  with  the  results  of  physical  tests, 
which  need  not  necessarily  have been  made  in  connection  with  the  vehicle  now 
being approved. 

5. 

Tests of section of superstructure 

When  a calculation  method  is used for  a section  of the  complete  superstructure, 
the same conditions shall apply as stated above for the complete vehicle. 

131 

ANNEX  V 

(see  paragraph  7.6.5.6.1.1 ) 

GUIDELINES  FOR  MEASURING  THE  CLOSING  FORCES  OF  POWER-OPERATED 
DOORS 

General 
The  closing  of  a  power-operated  door  is  a  dynamic  process.  When  a  moving  door 
hits  an  obstacle,  the  result  is  a  dynamic  reaction  force,  the  history  of  which  (in 
time)  depends  on  several  factors  (e.g.  mass  of  the  door,  acceleration,  dimensions). 

Definitions 
Closing  force  F(t)  is  a  time  function,  measured  at  the  closing  edges  of  the  door 
(see  paragraph  3.2). 
Peak  force  F$  is the  maximum  value  of  the  closing  force. 
Effective  force  Fg  is  the  average  value  of  the  closing  force  related  to  the  pulse 
duration: 

1  rh 
^fF(t)dt 

FE  = 

Pulse  duration  T  is the  time  between  the  X\  and  iv 

T  = t2  -  t| 

where  t|  = threshold  of  sensitivity,  where  the  closing  force  exceeds  :;U \. 
to  =  fade-away  threshold,  where  the  closing  force  becomes  less  than  50N. 
The  relation  between  the  above  parameters  is  shown  in  figure  1  below  (as  an 
example): 

2 2 

2.4 

2..^ 

So H 

Figure 

132 

&* 
l  (s j 

2.6 

Clamping force  Fc  is the arithmetical  mean value of the effective  forces,  measured 
at the same measuring point subsequently  more times: 

£(FE)i 

__ 
F  = 

i =l 

n 

J. 
3.1.2 
3.2 
3.2.1 

3.2.2 

3.3 

3.3 

3.5 

4. 
4.1 

4.2 
4.2.1 

4.2.2 

Measurements 
Conditions of  measurement: 
Temperature  range:  10° - 30 °C 
The vehicle shall  stay on a horizontal  surface. 
Measurements points shall be: 
At the main closing edges of the door: 
-  one  in the middle of the door; 
-  one  150 mm above the lower edge of the door. 
In  the  case  of  doors  equipped  with  clamping  prevention  devices  for  the  opening 
process: 
At the  secondary  closing edges  of the door  at that  point  which  is considered  to  be 
the most dangerous place of clamping. 
At  least  three  measurements  shall  be  taken  at  each  of  the  measuring  points  to 
determine the clamping force  according to paragraph  2.6. 
The signal  of the closing force  shall  be recorded  by means of a low-pass filter  with 
a  limiting  frequency  of  100  Hz.  Both  the  threshold  of  sensitivity  and  the  fade 
away threshold  to limit the pulse duration  shall  be set at 50 N. 
The deviation  of the reading from  the rated value shall  not be more than ± 3 %. 

Measuring  device 
The  measuring  device  shall  consist  of  two  parts:  one  handle  and  one  measuring 
part which  is a load cell (see figure 2). 
The  load cell shall  have the following  characteristics: 
It  shall  consist  of  two  sliding  housings  with  the  outer  dimension  of  100 mm  in 
diameter  and  115 mm  in width.  Inside the  load cell  a compression  spring  shall  be 
fitted  between  the  two  housings  such  that  the  load  cell  can  be  pressed  together  if 
an appropriate  force  is applied. 
The  stiffness  of  the  load  cell  shall  be  10  ±  0.2  N/mm.  The  maximum  spring 
deflection  shall  be  limited  to  30 mm  so  that  a  maximum  peak  force  of  300N  is 
achieved. 

133 

ANNEX V 

Figure 2 

1 

115  --^ 

i 

1 

30  = 
1 

1 

L. 

e 
£ 
o 
c 

r 

Handle 

134 

ANNEX VI 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES HAVING A CAPACITY NOT 
EXCEEDING 
22 PASSENGERS 

1.1 

Minimum dimensions for  exits 

The several kinds of exits shall have the following  dimensions: 

Aperture 

Service 
door 

Dimensions 
Entry height 
Class 
A 
B 
. 

165 cm 
150 cm 

Aperture 
height 

Width 
Single door: 
65 cm 

Double door: 
120 cm 

Emergency  Height:  125 cm 
door 

Width:  55 cm 

Emergency 
window 

Aperture area: 
4 000 cm2 

Remarks 
The service door entry height shall be 
measured as the vertical distance measured on 
a vertical plane of the horizontal projections  of 
the mid-point of the door aperture and the top 
surface  of the lowest step 
The vertical height of the service door 
aperture shall be such as to permit the  free 
passage of the dual panel referred  to in 
paragraph  7.7.1.1. of Annex  1. The height at 
the upper corners may be reduced with round-
offs,  with a radius of not more tan  15 cm. 

For Class B vehicles where the service door 
aperture height lies between  140 and  150 a 
minimum single door aperture width of 75 cm 
shall apply. For all the vehicles the width of 
any service door may be reduced by  10 cm 
when the measurement  is made at the level of 
the hand holds and by 25 cm in cases where 
intruding wheel arches or the actuating 
mechanism for  automatic or  remote-control 
doors or the rake of the windscreen 
so require. 

The width may be reduced to 30 cm in cases 
where intruding wheel arches so require, 
providing that the width of 55 cm is respected 
at the minimum height of 40 cm above the 
lowest part of the door aperture. The height at 
the upper corners may be reduced with round 
offs,  with a radius of not more than  15 cm. 

A 5% tolerance shall, however, be permitted in 
respect of this area for type-approvals issued 
for one year following  the entry into force of 
this Directive. It shall be possible to inscribe 
this area in a rectangle of 50 cm x 70 cm. 

135 

1.1.1 

A  vehicle  to  which  paragraph  7.7.1.9.  of  Annex  I  applies  shall  meet  the 
requirements  of  paragraph  7.6.3.1  in  respect  with  emergency  windows  and 
escape hatches, and the following  requirements in respect with  service  doors 
and emergency doors: 

Aperture 

Dimensions 
Aperture 
height:  110 cm 

Service 
door 

Width 

Remarks 
This dimension may be reduced by a radius at 
the corners of the aperture not exceeding 
15 cm radius. 
This dimension may be reduced by a radius at 
the corners of the aperture not exceeding 

Double door: 
120 cm 

Single door;  65 cm  15 cm radius The width may be reduced by 
.  10 cm when the measurement  is made at the 
level of the handholds and by 25 cm in cases 
where intruding wheel arches or the 
actuating mechanism for automatic or 
remote-control doors or the rake of the 
windscreen so require. 
The width may be reduced to 30 cm in cases 
where intruding wheel arches so require, 
providing that the width of 55 cm is 
respected  at the minimum height of 40 cm 
above the lowest part of the door aperture. 
The height and width at the upper corners 
may be reduced with round-offs,  with a 
radius of not more than  15 cm. 

Height:  110 cm 

Width:  55 cm 

Emergency 
door 

1.2 

1.2.1 

1.2.2 

1.2.3 

1.2.4 

Siting of exits 

The  service door(s)  shall be situated  on the  side of the vehicle that  is nearer 
to  the  side  of  the  road  corresponding  to  the  direction  of  the  traffic  in  the 
country  in  which  the  vehicle  is  to  be  registered,  or  in  the  rear  face  of 
the vehicle. 

The exits shall be placed  in such a way that  there is at least  one exit  on each 
side of the vehicle. 

The  forward  half  and  the  rearward  half  of  the  passenger  space  shall  each 
contain at least one exit. 

At least one exit shall be situated  either in the rear face or in the front face of 
the vehicle unless an escape hatch is fitted  on the roof. 

136 

REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARDING AIDS FACILITATING ACCESS TO VEHICLES 

ANNEX VII 

Requirements 

This Annex contains the requirements which the boarding  aids referred  to in 
paragraph 7.12 must comply with. Boarding aids not described  in this Annex 
may be accepted  by the technical  service in charge  of the  test  provided  that 
they are recognised to be as safe as those described in this Annex. 

1. 

Scope 

These requirements  shall apply to vehicles equipped  with technical  boarding 
aids, thereby permitting easier access for persons with reduced mobility. 

Definitions 

Boarding  aids means devices or  systems facilitating  access to buses,  such as 
kneeling systems, lifts, ramps, etc. 

Kneeling  system  means  a  boarding  aid  which  lowers  and  lifts  totally  or 
partially the superstructures of vehicles. 

Lift  means  a  boarding  aid  in  the  door  area  with  a  lifting  platform  to 
overcome  the  difference  between  the  height  of  the  vehicle  floor  and 
the ground. 

Ramp  means  a  boarding  aid  to  bridge  the  gap  between  the  floor  of  the 
vehicle and the ground. 

Safety  device  means  a  device  which  when  activated,  reduces  the  risk 
of injury. 

Requirements 

General provisions 

2. 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

3. 

3.1 

3.1.1 

Accessibility test 

The vehicle  and  the boarding  aids  shall be  such that  a wheelchair  user  being 
able  to  use  normally  his  arms  and  hands  and  sitting  on  a  platform  15  cm 
above  the  ground  (representing  a  pavement)  is  able  to  board  easily  in  the 
vehicle trough the service doors designed  for this purpose,  when the relevant 
access controls are operated. 

The requirement  shall also be assumed to be met if the vehicle passes the test 
without  any boarding aid in the case for  certain low-floor  buses. 

137 

3.1.2 

Markings 

The controls actuating the boarding aids shall be clearly marked as such. The 
extended  or lowered  position  of the boarding  aid shall be indicated  by tell 
tale to the driver. 

3.1.3 

Emergency operation 

In the event of the failure of a safety device, lifts, ramps and kneeling systems 
shall be incapable of operation, unless they can be safely operated by manual 
effort.  The type and location of the emergency operating mechanism shall be 
clearly  marked.  In  the  event  of  power  failure,  lifts  must  be  capable  of 
manual operation. 

3.1.4 

Access to doors 

Access to  one of the doors on the vehicle may be obstruct  by a boarding aid 
providing  the  following  two  conditions  are  satisfied  from  both  inside  and 
outside the vehicle. 

The  boarding  device  does  not  obstruct  the  handle  or  other  device  for 
opening the door. 

The boarding device can be readily moved to leave the doorway  clear for  use 
in an emergency. 

3.1.4.1 

3.1.4.2 

3.2 

Kneeling system 

3.2.1 

Special provisions 

3.2.1.1 

Operating mechanism 

An  operating  control  shall  be  required  to  activate  a  kneeling  system.  If  the 
kneeling system is interlocked  with any other  system,  e.g. the parking brake, 
failure  of  the  kneeling  system  must  not  adversely  affect  that  other  system. 
Furthermore,  operation  of the interlocked  system  shall not  cause  kneeling  to 
take place. 

3.2.1.2 

Modes of operation 

The  raising  and  lowering  of  the  vehicle  body  may  be  controlled  either 
manually  or  automatically.  A  vehicle  may  be  equipped  with  both  systems, 
driver selectable. 

.38 

3.2.1.2.1 

Manual operating mechanism 

The  manual  operating  mechanism  shall  be  controlled  from  the  driver's  seat. 
The mechanism for lowering the body  shall be designed in such a way that if 
released during lowering it automatically  returns to the off position within at 
least  80% of the  total  lowering  distance.  In so  doing  the  lowering  process 
shall be stopped and reversed immediately. It shall be only possible to initiate 
the  lowering  process  again when  the  vehicle  body  is  in  its  normal  position 
(position during travel). 

3.2.1.2.2 

Automatic control 

When  there  is  an  automatic  control  mechanism  which  is  simultaneously 
activated  by the control  of another  device,  e.g.  of a  service  door,  it  shall be 
possible for the lowering process to be stopped  and reversed by the driver of 
the  vehicle  by  means  of  an  emergency  switch  located  within  reach  of  the 
driver.  It  shall  only be  possible  to  initiate  the  lowering  process  again  when 
the  vehicle  body  is  in  its  normal  position  (position  during  travel).  The 
lowering process shall be initiated only when the doors are closed.  It  shall be 
at  least  80%  complete  before  the  service  doors  are  fully  open.  The  raising 
process shall not be initiated if a service door is still open. 

3.2.1.3 

Lowering the body of the vehicle 

The lowering process shall take place at speeds no faster than 5 km/h.  It shall 
be ensured that the bus cannot drive off when the body is lowered. 

3.2.1.4 

Raising the body of the vehicle 

It  shall not  be possible to  initiate the  raising  process  if a  service  door  is still 
completely open. The raising process  shall be interrupted  when the  reversing 
mechanism of a door is operated. 

3.2.1.5 

Special mode of operation 

It may be possible by an additional  manual  control  located  separately  on the 
dashboard  to  stop the  raising  process  at  any  time  provided  the  vehicle  is at 
standstill and the starting prevention device is activated. 

3.3 

Lift 

3.3.1 

General provisions 

Lifts  shall  only  be  capable  of  operation  when  the  vehicle  is  at  a  standstill. 
Raising  and  lowering  of  the  lift  shall  be  indicated  by  three  flashing  yellow 
lights  and  an  audible  signal.  These  lifts  shall  be  positioned  as  follows:  two 
lights  on  the  outside  of  the  vehicle  on  either  side  of  the  door  in  the  lower 
area;  one lighting  the  interior  above  that  door.  The  lights  shall  comply  with 
Directive 76/756 EEC. 

139 

When  raising  of  the  platform  and  before  lowering  is  initiated  a -device 
the  wheelchair  from  rolling  off  shall  automatically  come 
preventing 
into operation. 

3.3.2 

Additional technical requirements for power operated  lifts 

3.3.2.1 

3.3.2.2 

3.3.2.3 

The operating  mechanism  shall be designed  in such a way that,  if released, it 
automatically  returns to  the off position. As it does  so the  movement  of the 
lift  shall  immediately  be  stopped  and  it  shall  be  possible  to  initiate  a 
movement in either direction without delay. 

lift 
Areas  not  visible  to  the  operator  where  the  movement  of  the 
might  trap  or  crush  objects  shall  be  protected  by  a  safety  device 
(e.g. reversing mechanism). 

In  the  event  of  one  of  these  safety  devices  coming  onto  operation,  the 
movement  of  the  lift  shall  immediately  be  stopped  and  movement  in  the 
opposite direction initiated. 

3.3.3. 

Operation of power operated  lifts 

3.3.3.1 

3.3.3.2 

3.3.3.3 

Where the lift  is at  a service door  situated  within the direct field of vision  of 
the  driver  of  the  vehicle,  the  lift  may  be  operated, by  the  driver  when  the 
driving seat. 

In  all  others  cases,  the  control  shall  be  adjacent  to  the  lift.  They  shall  be 
capable of being activate and deactivated  only by the driver from his seat. 

After  activation  of the  operational  controls by the  driver  of the vehicle  from 
his seat it shall be possible to  operate the lift  by the user  or by an  attendant. 
It must be possible for  the driver and user or  attendant  to  communicate with 
each other. 

3.3.3.4 

The  actuating  mechanism  shall  be  operated  against  unauthorised  use 
(e.g. key-operated  switch). 

3.3.4 

Manually operated  lift 

The lift  shall be designed for operation by controls adjacent  to the lift. 

3.3.5 

Operation of manually operated  lifts 

The  lift  shall  be  so  designed  that  excessive  forces  are  not  required  to 
operate it. 

3.3.6 

Dimensions and load capacity 

The lift  platform  shall be not  less than  80 cm wide,  and  not  less than  125 cm 
long,  and  shall  be  capable  of  operating  when  carrying  a  mass  of  at  least 
300 ke. 

[40 

3.4 

Ramp 

3.4.1 

General provisions 

3.4.1.1 

3.4.1.2 

3.4.1.3 

The  ramp  shall  only  be  capable  of  operation  when  the  vehicle  is  at 
a standstill. 

Edges on the outside shall be rounded  to  a radius of no less than  2.5 mm 
Corners on the outside shall be rounded to a radius of not less than 5 mm. 

Extension  and  retraction  of the  ramp  shall  be  indicated  by  three  flashing 
yellow lights and an audible signal; the ramps shall be identifiable  by clearly 
visible red and white retro-reflecting hazard markings on the outer edges. 

3.4.2 

Modes of operation 

Extension and retraction of the ramp may be carried  out  either manually or 
power operated. 

3.4.3 

Additional technical requirements for power operated ramps. 

3.4.3.1 

3.4.3.2 

3.4.3.3 

Extension  of  the  ramp  in the  horizontal  direction  shall  be  protected  by a 
safety device. 

In  the  event  of  one  of  these  safety  devices  coming  into  operation,  the 
movement of the ramp shall immediately be stopped. 

The horizontal moment of a ramp shall be interrupted when it is loaded with 
a mass of 15 kg. 

3.4.4 

Operation of power operated ramps. 

Ramps may be operated by the driver of the vehicle from the driver's seat, or 
by the passenger at the door by means of a switch which has been rendered 
operable by the driver,  or by a special  operating  mechanism  at the  door in 
question (e.g. key-operated switch). 

3.4.5 

Operation of manually operated ramp. 

The  ramp  shall  be  so  designed  that  excessive  forces  are  not  required  to 
operate the ramp. 

3.4.6 

Dimensions of the ramp 

The ramp shall provide a space at least 80 cm wide. The slope of the ramp, 
when  extended  or  folded  manually  to  the  outside  of  the  bus,  should  not 
exceed  12 % to facilitate access to the bus for wheelchair users in particular. 

14: 

ANNEX VIII 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOUBLE-DECKER  VEHICLES 

This Annex contains the requirements  for  double-decker  vehicles, where these  differ  from  the 
basic requirements of Annex I. Unless otherwise stated below, all the requirements of Annex I 
shall  apply  to  double-decker  vehicles.  The  numbering  of  paragraphs  below  follows  that  of 
Annex I. 

2 

DEFINITIONS 

For the purpose of this Directive: 

2.1 

2.1.4 

2.12 

2.14 

2.14.1 

2.15 

2.25 

2.26 

2.27 

7. 

7.1 

"Double-decker  vehicle"  means  a  vehicle  where  the  provided  spaces  for 
passengers  are  arranged,  at  least  in  one  part,  in  two  superimposed  levels  and 
spaces for standing passengers are not provided in the upper deck. 

"Double-decker  articulated  bus  or  coach"  means  a  vehicle  which  consists  of 
two or more rigid sections which articulate relative to  one another; the  passenger 
compartments  of  each  section  intercommunicate  on  at  least  one  deck  so  that 
passengers  can  move  freely  between  them;  the  rigid  sections  are  permanently 
connected  so that they  can  only be  separated  by an operation  involving  facilities 
which are normally only found in a workshop. 

"Exit" means a service door, intercommunication  staircase or emergency exit. 

"Gangway" means the space providing access by passengers from any seat  or row 
of seats to any other seat or row of seats or to any access passage from or to any 
sendee door or intercommunication  staircase. It does not include: 

the  space extending  30  cm in  front  of  any  seat,  except  where  a  sideways-facing 
seat is situated above wheel arch, in which case this dimension may be reduced  to 
22.5 cm. 

"Access  passage" means the passage between  a doorway  or  intercommunication 
staircase and a gangway. 

"Intercommunication  staircase"  means  a  staircase  which  allows  communication 
between the upper and lower decks. 

"Separate  compartment"  means  a  space  in  the  vehicle  which  may  be  occupied 
when  the  vehicle  is  in  use  and  which  does  not  communicate  by  means  of  a 
suitable passageway  with the  driver's  compartment  other than by more  than  one 
change of deck. 

"Half  staircase"  is  a  staircase  from  the  upper  deck  which  terminates  in  a 
emergency door. 

REQUIREMENTS 

Load distribution between axles and loading conditions 

7.1.8 

Double-decker vehicles shall not be equipped to carry luggage on the roof. 

142 

7.2 

7.2.1 

7.2.1.2 

7.2.1.3 

7.2.2 

7.2.2.3 

7.2.2.5 

7.3 

7.3.1 

7.4 

7.4.1 

7.4.2 

Area available for  passengers 

The  surface  area  on  each  deck  (Soa  upper  deck,  and  Sob  lower  deck)  available 
for  passengers  is  calculated  by  deducting  from  the  total  area  of  each  deck, 
as appropriate. 

the  area  of  steps  at  doors  and  the  area  of  any  step  in  the  intercommunication 
staircase  and  the  area  of  any  step  with  a depth  of less than  30  cm,  and  the  area 
swept by the door when it is operated; 

the  area  of  any  part  over  which  the  vertical  clearance  is  less  than  135  cm 
to 
measured  from  the  floor  (disregarding 
paragraph 7.7.8.6.2. of Annex I); and 

intrusions  permitted  according 

The  surface  area  S\  available for  standing  passengers  is calculated  by  deducting 
from Sob* 

the  area  of  all  parts  where  the  clear  height  above  the  floor  is  less  than  180 cm 
(handholds shall not be taken into account in this connection); 

The  space extending  30 cm in front  of any  seat,  except  where  a  sideways-facing 
seat is situated above wheel arch, in which case this dimension may be reduced  to 
22.5 cm. 

Number of passengers  accommodated 

There  shall be  on  each  deck  of the  vehicle  a  number  (Aa,  Af_>) of  seating  places 
which conform  to the requirements of paragraph  7.7.8. of Annex  1. If the vehicle 
is  of  Class  I  or  Class  II,  the  numbers  Aa  and  Ab  shall  be  at  least  equal  to  the 
number of square metres of floor  on that  deck  available for  passengers  and  crew 
(if any) (S0a,  S0b) rounded down to the nearest whole number. 

Stability test 

The stability of a vehicle  shall be such that the point  at which overturning  occurs 
would  not be passed if the  surface  on which the vehicle stands was tilted  to  both 
sides in turn to an angle of 28 degrees from the horizontal. 

For  the  purposes  of the  above  test,  the vehicle  shall  be  unladen  as  described  in 
paragraph  7.1.3.  of  Annex I,  with  the  addition  of  loads  equal  to  Q as defined  in 
paragraph 7.3.2.  of  Annex  I  placed  on  each  upper  deck  passenger  seat.  If  the 
vehicle is intended  to  be used  with  a crew  member who  is not  seated,  the  centre 
of gravity  of the mass  of 75 kg  representing  the  crew  member  shall be placed  in 
the upper deck gangway at a height  of 875 mm. The baggage compartments  shall 
not contain any baggage. 

7.4.5 

Alternatively,  a calculation  method  can be used  to  show that  the vehicle will not 
overturn  under  the  conditions  described  in  paragraphs  7.4.1  and  7.4.2.  Such  a 
calculation  shall take into account the following  parameters: 

7.4.5.1 

masses and dimensions; 

7.4.5.2 

height of centre of gravity; 

143 

7.4.5.3 

spring rates; 

7.4.5.4 

vertical and horizontal tyre rates; 

7.4.5.5 

characteristics of the control of air pressure in the air springs; 

7.4.5.6 

position of the momentary centre; 

7.4.6.7 

torsion resistance of the body. 

The method of calculation is described in Appendix 1  of Annex I. 

7.5.5 

Fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment 

7.5.5.1 

Double-decker vehicles shall be fitted with two or more fire extinguishers, one 
being near the driver's seat and one on the upper deck. Vehicles of Classes.A & 
B  shall  be  equipped  with  at  least  one  extinguisher  on  each  deck,  having a 
minimum test rating of  8A 34B to  CEN Standard EN 3 Part  1 and at least a 
capacity of 2 kg. Vehicles of Classes I, II & III shall be equipped on the lower 
deck with at least one extinguisher having a minimum test rating of 21A 113B to 
CEN Standard EN 3 Part 1  and at least a capacity of 6 kg, and shall be equipped 
on the upper deck with at least one extinguisher having a minimum test rating of 
8A  34B  to  CEN Standard EN 3  Part  1 and at least  a capacity  of  2 kg. The 
extinguishers shall not contain halogenated hydrocarbons as the extinguishant. 

7.6 

7.6.1 

Exits 

Number of exits 

7.6.1.1 .bis  By derogation to the provisions of 7.6.1.1, Member States may permit the sale or 

entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following provision: 

Every double-decker vehicle of Class I shall have two  doors,  one  service door 
and one emergency door on the opposite  side.  The minimum number of doors 
required is as follows: 

Number of passengers 

9-45 
46-70 
71 - 100 
101 - 140 
>140 

| 

Number of doors 
Class I 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7.6.1.4 

The minimum number of emergency exits shall be such that the total number of 
exits is as follows, the number of exits for each separate deck and each separate 
compartment being determined separately. Toilet compartments or galleys are not 
considered to be separate compartments for the purposes of defining the number 
of emergency exits. Escape hatches can only count as one of the abovementioned 
number of emergency exits: 

144 

Number of passengers and crew per 
compartment to be accommodated  in eac 
compartment or deck 

Minimum total number 
of emergency exits 

8 
1 
16 
9-
•30 
17 
•45 
31 
•60 
46 
•75 
61 
•90 
76 
110 
9 1-
111 - 130 
>  130 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 

7.6.1.4.bis 

By derogation to the provisions of 7.6.1.4, Member  States may permit the sale or 
entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following  provision: 

The  minimum  number  of  exits  for  Class  I  double  decker  vehicles  shall  be  such 
that the total number of exits is as follows: 

Number of passengers 
9 - 16 
17-30 
31-45 
46-60 
61-75 
76-90 
91-110 
111-130 
>  130 

I 

Minimum total number 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
U 

Escape hatches can only count as one of the abovementioned  number of exits. 

7.6.1.11 

Escape hatches, additional  to the emergency doors and  windows,  shall be fitted 
in the roof  of the upper  deck of Class II and  Class  III  vehicles.  They  may  also 
be  fitted  in  the  case  of  Class I vehicles.  In  such  case  the  minimum  number  of 
hatches shall be: 

Total number of passengers in the upper 
deck (Aa) 
not exceeding 50 
exceeding  50 

Number of hatches 

1 
2 

7.6.1.12 

7.6.1.13 

Each  intercommunication  staircase  shall  be  considered  to  be  an  exit  from  the 
upper deck. 

All  persons  accommodated  in  the  lower  deck  must  in  an  emergency  situation 
have  access  to  the  exterior  of  the  vehicle  without  having  to  enter  the 
upper deck. 

145 

7.6.1.14 

shall  be  connected  by  one  or  more 
The  upper  deck  gangway 
intercommunication  staircases to the access passageway  of a service door  or to 
the lower deck gangway within 3 m of a service door. 

(a) 

(b) 

Two, or at least one-and-one-half staircases,  shall be provided  in Class I 
and Class II vehicles if more than 50 passengers are carried  on the upper 
deck; 

Two,  or  at  least  one-and-one-half  staircases,  are  to  be  provided  in 
Class III  vehicles  if  more  than  30  passengers  are  carried  on  the 
upper deck. 

7.6.2 

Siting of exits 

7.6.2.2 

7.6.2.3 

7.6.2.4 

7.6.2.8 

7.6.2.8.1 

7.6.2.8.2 

Two  of the  doors  shall be  separated  such that  the  distance  between  transverse 
vertical planes through their centres of area is not less than either 25 per cent  of 
the  overall  length  of  the  vehicle  or  40  per  cent  of  the  overall  length  of  the 
passenger compartment  on the lower deck; this shall not  apply if the two  doors 
are on different  sides  of the vehicle.  If one  of these  two  doors  forms  part  of a 
double  door,  this  distance  shall be  measured  between  the two  doors  which  are 
farthest  apart. 

The exits on every deck shall be placed in such a way that their number on each 
of the two sides of the vehicle is substantially the same. 

In each deck, at least  one emergency exit  shall be situated  either in the rear  face 
or in the front face of the vehicle respectively. 

If  the  space  reserved  for  the  driver's  seat  and  the  passengers'  or  crew  seats 
beside  the  driver's  seat  does  not  communicate  with  the  main  passengers' 
compartment by means of a suitable passageway; 

the main compartment  reserved  for  passengers  shall contain exits  satisfying  the 
requirement  of paragraph  7.6.1  with  respect  to  number  and  those  of  paragraph 
7.6.2 with respect to siting; 

the  driver's door  shall be accepted  as the  emergency  door  for  the  occupants  of 
the  seats  situated  beside  the  driver's  seat  provided  that  the  driver's  seat,  the 
steering wheel, the engine housing, the gear  lever and  hand  brake  control,  etc., 
do  not  constitute  too  great  an  obstruction.  The  service  door  provided  for  the 
passengers  shall  be  in  the  side  of  the  vehicle  opposite  to  that  containing  the 
driver's door and shall be accepted as the emergency door for the driver; 

146 

7.6.4 

Technical requirements for all service doors 

- 

"  ~ 

7.6.4.6 

If the  direct  view  is not  adequate,  optical  or  other  devices  shall be installed  to 
enable  the  driver  to  detect  from  his  seat  the  presence  of  a  passenger  in  the 
is  not  an 
immediate  exterior  vicinity  of  every  service  door  which 
automatically-operated  service  door.  In  the  case  of  vehicles  of  Class  I,  this 
requirement also applies to the interior of all service doors and to the immediate 
vicinity of each intercommunication  staircase on the upper deck. 

7.6.7 

Technical requirements for emergency doors 

7.6.7.3 

7.6.7.6 

The  outside  handles  of  lower  deck  emergency  doors  shall  be  not  more  than 
150 cm above the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on level ground. 

If the driver's service door is not readily accessible, in particular if it is necessary 
to squeeze between the steering wheel and the driver's seat in order to reach the 
service  door,  that  service  door  shall  not  be  deemed  to  be  an  emergency  door, 
except in the case described in paragraph 7.6.2.8. 

7.7.5 

Gangways (see Annex VHI, figure 1) 

7.7.5.1 

The gangways of a vehicle shall be so designed  and constructed  as to permit the 
free  passage  of  a  gauging  device  consisting  of  two  co-axial  cylinders  with  an 
inverted  truncated  cone  interposed  between  them,  the  gauging  device  having 
the following  dimensions (in cm): 

Upper/Lower  deck: 
Diameter of lower 
cylinder 
Height of lower 
cylinder 
Diameter of upper 
cylinder 
Height of upper 
cylinder 
Overall height 

Class ] 
UD 
45 

LD 
45 

Class ] 
[I 
UD 
LD 
35 
35 

Class III 
UD 
30 

LD 
30 

90 

102 

90 

102 

55 

55 

55 

55 

50 

50 

50 

50 

90 

45 

50 

102 

45 

50 

168 

180 

168 

180 

168 

180 

The  gauging  device  may  come  into  contact  with  strap  hangers  for  standing 
passengers,  if  fitted,  and  move them  away.  The width  of  the  upper  panel  may 
bee  reduced  at  the  top  when  a  chamfer  not  exceeding  30  degrees  from  the 
horizontal is included (figure  1) 

7.7.5.3 

On  articulated  buses  or  coaches,  the  gauging  device  defined  in  paragraph 
7.7.5.1.  shall  be  able  to  pass  unobstructed  through  the  articulated  section  on 
any  deck  where  the  two  sections  permit  through  passage  by  passengers  . No 
part of the soft  covering of that  section,  including parts of bellows,  shall  project 
into the gangway. 

147 

7.7.7 

Steps 

-  -

7.7.7.1 

85  cm  maximum  in  the  case  of  an  emergency  door  in  the  lower  deck  and 
150 cm maximum in the case of the emergency door in the upper  deck. 

7.7.8.6 

Free height over seating positions 

7.7.8.6.1 

Each  seating position  shall have  a free height  of not  less than  90 cm  measured 
from the highest  point  of the uncompressed  seat  cushion.  This free height  shall 
extend  over  the  vertical  projection  of  the  whole  area  of  the  seat  and  the 
associated  foot  space.  In  the  case  of  the  upper  deck,  this  free  height  may  be 
reduced to 85 cm. 

7.7.12 

Intercommunication  staircase (see Annex III, figure 1) 

7.7.12.1 

The minimum width of any intercommunication  staircase shall be so designed  as 
to permit the free passage of the single door access template as defined  in figure 
1  of  Annex HI.  The  panel  shall  be  moved  starting  from  the  gangway  of  the 
lower  deck up to the last  step, in the  probable  direction  of motion  of a  person 
using the staircase. 

7.7.12.2 

Intercommunication  staircases  shall  be  so  designed,  that  during  heavy  braking 
of the vehicle moving in the forward  direction there is no danger  of a passenger 
being projected  downwards. 

This  requirement  is  considered  to  be  fulfilled  if  at  least  one  of  the  following 
conditions is met: 

7.7.12.2.1 

no part of the staircase is forward  descending; 

7.7.12.2.2 

the staircase is equipped with guards or a similar provision; 

7.7.12.2.3 

there  is an  automatic  device  in  the  upper  part  of  the  staircase  which  prevents 
the use of the staircase when the vehicle is in motion; this device  shall be easily 
operable in an emergency. 

7.7.12.3 

It  shall  be  verified,  by  use  of  the  cylinder  of  paragraph  7.7.5.1.,  that  access 
conditions from the gangways (upper and lower) to the staircase are adequate. 

7.11 

Handrails and handholds 

7.11.5 

Handrails and handholds for intercommunication  staircases 

7.11.5.1 

Suitable  handrails  or  handholds  shall  be  provided  at  each  side  of  all 
intercommunication  staircases.  These  shall  be  positioned  between  80  cm  and 
110 cm above the tread edge of each step. 

148 

7.11.5.2 

The handrails and/or handholds to be provided shall be such that they include a 
grasping  point  available  to  a  person  standing  on  the  lower  or  upper  deck 
adjacent to the intercommunication staircase, and at any of the successive steps. 
Such points shall be situated vertically between 80 and  110 cm above the lower 
deck or each above the surface of each step, and, horizontally: 

7.11.5.2.1 

for the position  appropriate to  a person  standing on the lower  deck,  not more 
than 40 cm inwards from the outer edge of the first step, and 

7.11.5.2.2 

for the  position  appropriate  to  a particular  step,  not  outwards from the outer 
edge  of  the  step  considered,  and  not  more  than  60 cm  inwards  from  the 
same edge. 

7.14 

Guarding of stepwells and exposed seats 

7.14.2 

7.14.3 

On the upper deck of a double-decker vehicle, the intercommunication staircase 
well shall be protected by an enclosed guard having a minimum height of 80 cm 
measured from the floor. The lower  edge  of the guard  shall  not  be more than 
10 cm from the floor. 

The  front  windscreen  ahead  of  passengers  occupying  upper-deck  front  seats 
must be provided with a padded guard. The higher edge of that protection shall 
be  situated  vertically  between  80  cm  and  90 cm  above  the  floor  where  the 
passenger's feet rest. 

7.14.4 

The riser of each step in a staircase shall be closed. 

149 

ANNEX VII 

Figure 

Gangways 
(see paragraph  7.7.5. of Annex  VIII) 

LU 

Class  I 
Class  II 
Class  III 

B(cm) 
55 
55 
45 

C(cm) 
45 
35 
30 (22  in the case 
"of  laterally 
movable seats) 

D(cm) 
50 
50 
50 

E(cm)  */ 
180(168) 
180(168) 
180(168) 

F(cm)*/ 
102(90) 
102(90) 
102(90) 

*J  Dimensions  in  brackets apply for  upper deck only. 

150 

ANNEX IX 

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR  TEST 

J. 

2. 

Principle: 

This test consists of submitting  specified  test pieces of the electrical  conductors  as 
installed  in the vehicle, to a flame  in order to evaluate their resistance to  fire. 

Equipment 

The test equipment consists in: 

2.1 

Test enclosure. 

The test enclosure consists of a metallic screen with 3 faces: 

-  1200 ±25  mm  in height 
300 ± 25 mm  in width 
- 
450 ±_25 mm in depth. 

The  front  face  is  open  and  the  top  and  bottom  is  closed.  The  base  need  not  be 
metallic. 

2.2 

A heat source. 

The  heat  source  consists  of  a  gas  burner  (Bunsen  burner)  of  internal  diameter 
between  9.5  mm  and  10 mm.  Its control  is such that the  length  of the outer  flame 
is approximately  125 mm and that of the inner flame approximately 40 mm. 

The  functioning  of  the  burner  is tested  in  the  following  manner:  The  base  of  the 
burner  being  horizontal,  a naked  copper  wire of 0.71 ± 0.025  mm  in diameter  and 
having  a free  length  of at  least  100 mm  is  introduced  horizontally  into the  flame, 
at  50 mm  above  the  top  edge  of  the  burner,  such  that  the  free  end  of  the  wire  is 
situated  above  the  far  vertical  edge  of  the  burner  (see  figure  1).  The  time 
necessary to melt the wire shall not exceed  6 seconds, nor be less than 4 seconds. 

Test pieces: 

The test piece  is formed  by a piece of conductor 600 mm ± 25 mm  long. 

Test  method: 

The  test  piece  is  held  vertical  and  placed  in the, middle  of the  test  enclosure  such 
that  its  lower end  is approximately  50 mm from  the base of the enclosure.  For the 
test,  the  base  of  the  burner  forms  an  angle  of  45°  with  the  axis  of  the  test  piece. 
The  distance  between  the  burner  and  the  test  piece  must  be  such  that  the  inner 

3. 

4. 

151 

flame just  touches the centre line of the sample (see  figure  2).  The  flame  must  be 
applied  about  100  mm  above  the  lower  end  of  the  test  piece  for  a  continuous 
period  T (seconds) given  by the formula: 

T = 60 + M/25 

where  M is the mass in grams of the test piece of conductor  per  length of 600  mm. 

Results: 

The observed  phenomena are recorded  in the test report,  notably: 
-  the duration  of combustion, 

- 

the  length of the charred  section. 

Classification: 

Based  on the results obtained, the material  will  be classified  as  follows: 

Category  1 :  Combustion  is  self-extinguished. 

The upper end of the test piece  is intact. 

Category  2:  Combustion  is  self-extinguished. 

The upper end of the test piece  is charred or  affected. 

Category  3:  Combustion  is not  self-extinguished. 

Requirements:  Only category  1  conductors are permitted. 

Figure 

ame 

bare  strand 

core 

ixed  end  of  copper  u ne 

152 

ANNEX IX 

Figure 2 

sample 

flame 

core 

153 

ANNEX X 

SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT TYPE-APPROVAL AND 
TYPE-APPRO VAL OF A VEHICLE FITTED WITH A BODY ALREADY 
APPROVED AS A SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT 

SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT TYPE-APPRO VAL. 

In  order  to  be granted  separate technical  unit  type-approval  to  this  Directive 
for  a vehicle body,  the  manufacturer  must  demonstrate  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the approval authority compliance with the following requirements: 

Annex  I,  paragraphs  1 to  6,  7.2,  7.3.1,  7.3.2  (first  inequality),  7.5.3  (as  it 
applies  to  wiring  in  the  body),  7.5.4  (if  batteries  are  installed  in  the  body), 
7.5.5,  7.5.6,  7.6 to  7.8  (except  for  items covered  in paragraph.  2.1.1  below), 
7.11 to 7.12 (except  7.12.11), 7.13 to 7.18. 

1. 

1.1 

1.1.1 

1.1.2 

Annexes II to III. 

1.1.3 

Annex IV (if applicable). 

1.1.4 

Annex V (if applicable). 

1.1.5 

Annex VT (if applicable). 

1.1.6 

Annex VTI (if applicable), except paragraph.  3.2 and in respect of heights from 
ground. 

1.1.7 

Annex VIII (if applicable), except paragraphs 7.4, 7.6.7.3  and  7.7.7.1. 

1.1.8 

Annex IX (as regards wiring fitted  to body). 

1.2 

1.3 

2. 

2.1 

Approval  may  be  granted  subject  to  conditions  to  be  met  by  the  completed 
vehicle  (such  as,  for  example,  characteristics  of  suitable  chassis,  restriction 
on use  or 
the 
approval  certificate. 

...),  these  conditions  being 

recorded  on 

installation 

Any  such  conditions  must  be  communicated  to  the  purchaser  of  the  vehicle 
body or the next stage builder of the vehicle in an appropriate  form. 

TYPE-APPROVAL  OF A VEHICLE  FITTED  WITH A BODY  ALREADY 
APPROVED AS A SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT. 

In order to be granted  type-approval  to this Directive for  a vehicle fitted with 
a  body  which  has  already  been  granted  approval  as a  separate  technical  unit, 
the  manufacturer  must  demonstrate  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  approval 
authority compliance with the following  requirements,  any preceding  approval 
as an incomplete vehicle being taken into account: 

154 

2.1.1 

Annex  1, paragraph  1  to 6,  7.1, 7.2  7.3.2,  7.3.3,  7.3.4,  7.4,  7.5.1; 7.5.2; 7:5.3 
(as it applies to wiring in the chassis and body installation),  7.5.4  (where not 
already  approved),  7.5.6  ,  7.6.1,  7.6.4,  (7.6.4.6  in  respect  of  rear  service 
doors  and  7.6.4.8  in  respect  of  speed  interlock  if  fitted),  7.6.5,  (7.6.5.2  in 
respect  of  speed  interlock  if fitted, 7.6.5.8  in  respect  of  speed  interlock  if 
fitted, and 7.6.5.9  in respect of speed interlock  if fitted), 7.6.6,  7.6.7,  7.6.11, 
7.7.1,  7.7.6,  7.7.7  (as it applies to first step height),  7.9,  7.10,  7.11.3,  7.12.8, 
7.12.9,7.12.11,7.12.12,7.13. 

Annex  1, Appendix 1, if applicable. 

2.1.2 

Annexes II to m. 

2.1.3 

Annex VII (if applicable). 

2.1.4 

Annex Vm  (if applicable), except paragraphs 7.4, 7.6.7.3  (in respect of height 
from  ground), and 7.7.7.1  (in respect of first step height from ground). 

2.1.5 

Annex IX (as it applies to wiring in the chassis and body installation). 

2.1.6 

Any conditions laid down in accordance with paragraph 1.2 above." 

155 

IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM 

Proposal for a Parliament and Council Directive relating to special provisions for vehicles used 
for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat -
document III/4076/90-Revision 7. 

1.  Taking account of the principle  of subsidiarity,  why is Community legislation necessary in 

this area and what are its main aims? 

This directive is one of the separate directives ofvthe framework directive 70/156/EEC and 
the last piece of legislation needed to obtain EEC type-approval for buses and coaches and 
thus achieve the Internal Market for those vehicles.  A directive on the special provisions on 
buses and coaches is envisaged in Council directive 92/53/EEC (Annex IV, Part I, Point 52). 

2.  Who will be affected  by the proposal? 

All small, medium and large bus and coach manufacturers will be affected  in a positive way, 
since they will be subject to one set of rules and to one single type-approval for the whole 
Union - instead of one per Member State now.  This should bring the type-approval cost 
down considerably for these vehicles, hence the cost of transport services, both local and long 
distance.  Consumers will therefore also benefit. 

Industry are in general in favour of single EEC type-approval for all kinds of vehicles 
including buses and coaches.  From their point of view administrative and financial  burdens 
will be greatly reduced since the same procedure will not have to be repeated in every 
different  Member State for a vehicle to be admitted. 

Even though there is a limited number of chassis manufacturers, body manufacturers - half of 
whom are small and medium size businesses - are scattered all around the countries of the 
Union. 

3.  What will business  have to do to comply  with the proposal? 

No  special changes, given that the directive, which is based on safety standards, harmonises 
national rules already applied by the manufacturers. 

Moreover, given that one EEC type-approval will be enough for a vehicle to be admitted to 
all fifteen  Member  States, businesses will have to pay fifteen  times less to national technical 
services conducting the tests (which at over one thousand Ecus per type-approval  is a 
considerable  amount), notwithstanding  related expenses such as wasted executive time, the 
preparation  of voluminous files, engineers' trips to each country etc. 

4.  What Economic  effect  is the .proposal likely to have? 

For the reasons given  under  item  3, there  is likely to be no negative economic effect  with the 
exception  of scheduled  urban  buses, where an increase in cost can be foreseen  as a result of 
ensuring accessibility  for  people with  reduced  mobility. This cost (initially estimated  up to 
10% per vehicle) can be expected  to be reduced  as volumes increase ans scale  economies 

1SA 

ensue. Competition, however, will increase in the market for bus and coach  manufacturers, 
because obtaining EEC type-approval  will automatically open up the markets of all Member 
States. 

Open competition  for these kinds of vehicles can be expected over time to engender a 
restructuring  in the industry, which will have to adapt quickly and efficiently  to technical 
progress.  Companies will have to increase also their productivity, which can be expected to 
have employment effects.  On the other hand the industry should become  internationally 
more competitive on,third country markets. 

5.  Does  the proposal  contain measures to take account of the specific situation  of small  and 

medium size  firms? 

Chassis manufacturers  are exclusively  large firms, but the needs of body manufacturers,  who 
are by almost half medium size businesses, have been taken into consideration (i.e. the 
possibility to obtain the type-approval  of the body work as a separate technical unit).  Indeed, 
representatives of small and medium  size enterprise (SME) associations were invited to and 
present at all the experts consultation meetings which took place over the last three years  for 
the drafting  of this directive, and their advice proved most helpful  to the Commission. 

In the particular case of UK-built special series of buses, known as midi- or minibuses, which 
are often  built by SMEs, a derogation  has been introduced to allow them to go on producing 
for  a long time.  Other countries may also choose to register these vehicles if they wish. 

It is by no means the intention of the Commission to damage any part of a market within the 
Community. 

6.  Consultation 

All organisations concerned were represented at the successive meetings of the advisory 
Motdr Vehicle Working Group, which has been consulted by the Commission  in view of 
drafting  this directive. 

Generally, all the organisations consulted are in agreement with the proposal.  In the 
particular case of the British manufacturers  and operators there are different  views.  With the 
derogation  included  in the proposal the UK can continue to use its actual  vehicle 
configuration. 

7.  Specificity for  tourism 

The directive has taken account of all those accidents which have occurred  in the recent years 
involving coaches.  Among other measures, a stability test has been  introduced for single and 
double-decker vehicles, as well as a test concerning the strength of the superstructure of 
single deck coaches, allowing a residual space for the passengers in case of turn-over. 

Coaches have become a very important means of tourism, therefore  the directive has 

given the highest safety  level for  interurban  and international travelling.  The measures  figuring 
in the directive will  improve both passive and active safety  in case of accident, so as to reduce 
considerably human  injuries. 

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COM(97) 276 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

07  10  08 

Catalogue  number  :  CB-CO-97-322-EN-C 

ISBN  92-78-21795-6 

Office  for  Official  Publications of the European  Communities 

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